Who owns the smart city?

Image | 300 array

Caption: This light pole has sensors that collect data to make the city smarter. But who owns that data? (Array of Things)

Audio | Spark : The Array of Things

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The Array of Things(external link) is a Chicago-based project that aims to make a Smart City that's also open, democratic, and collaborative. It's a concept that will see sensors positioned around the city that gather data about things like air quality and foot traffic, and make it available not just to researchers and bureaucrats, but to ordinary citizens.
Charlie Catlett(external link) explains in this interview with Nora.

Media Audio | Spark : The Array of Things

Caption: A project that aims to make a smart city that's also open, democratic, and collaborative.

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These sensors are meant to produce meaningful, timely data that will make cities more efficient and responsive. Many plans for smart cities involve collaboration with private companies. The question is: who owns the data that's gathered, and what can be done with it? Teresa Scassa(external link) is a law professor at the University of Ottawa(external link). She's concerned that when cities create smart city partnerships with private tech companies, they may lose control of the data.
Listen to Nora's interview with Teresa Scassa.

Media Audio | Spark : Who owns the smart city?

Caption: When cities create smart city partnerships with private tech companies, they may lose control of the data.

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