Smart urban development initiatives under threat, enthusiastic protestors claiming devastation before successful implementation.
Sidewalk Toronto, a 12-acre development project in Quayside, Toronto, is being developed by Sidewalk Labs, an Alphabet subsidiary. The project, which aims to integrate sensor networks and other technologies with a focus on sustainability, accessibility, and economic opportunity, has been met with both excitement and concern.
Critics have raised concerns about potential privacy issues and risks involving data collection and misuse in Sidewalk Toronto. These concerns are a powerful political motivator, and activists have been able to wield them to oppose the project for economic reasons.
In response to these concerns, Sidewalk Labs has taken proactive steps to address activists' worries. In May 2018, they published a draft version of their Responsible Data Use Policy Framework. This document outlines their plans to create a civic data trust to de-identify and publish all data collected from public spaces.
However, the release of the draft master innovation and development plan (MIDP) by Sidewalk Toronto was promised at the end of 2018, but its delayed release has been used by activists to amplify fears about data collection practices and lack of transparency. Criticism against this pilot has been raised by privacy activists, such as the World Privacy Forum.
Toronto is also developing a citywide policy framework and data governance model to clarify questions about data ownership and use. This move is intended to provide a comprehensive approach to data management in the city, not just in the Sidewalk Toronto project.
Bianca Wylie, an advocate, has posited a scenario where resident aggregate data could be sold back to the government in Sidewalk Toronto. This raises questions about the potential commercialization of personal data, a concern that has been echoed by other privacy activists.
Ontario's former privacy commissioner, Ann Cavoukian, accused the project of becoming "a Smart City of Surveillance." However, Sidewalk Labs has stated that they will follow Cavoukian's recommendations and are legally liable for any sub-contractors they grant data access to.
The decision to evaluate the Sidewalk Toronto development project in 2021, potentially causing delays, was made by the city of Toronto. This evaluation is intended to ensure that the project aligns with the city's values and the concerns of its citizens.
It is important to note that Sidewalk Labs cannot dictate the data governance practices of other companies. This means that while Sidewalk Labs can ensure their own practices are transparent and ethical, they cannot control how other companies in the development handle data.
Sidewalk Toronto plans to build 2,500 housing units, nearly half of which would be under market value. This affordable housing component is intended to address concerns about gentrification and economic displacement that often accompany large-scale urban development projects.
Rit Aggarwala, Sidewalk Lab's head of urban systems, argues that it is irresponsible to prioritize answering questions about data governance before questions about urban design. This perspective emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to urban development that considers both the technical and social aspects of the project.
In October 2018, Sidewalk Labs published the results of extensive public consultation about responsible data use. This consultation aimed to gather feedback from the community and ensure that the project aligns with the values and concerns of Toronto's citizens.
The controversy surrounding Sidewalk Toronto offers valuable lessons for firms and municipal governments in the importance of proactively addressing activists' concerns while pursuing new development. By taking a transparent and inclusive approach to urban development, projects can mitigate potential backlash and ensure that they align with the values and needs of the community.
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