In other words, this free Wi-Fi network is funded the same way as Google itself: using data to sell ads. Certainly, this data can be used for beneficial outcomes: reducing traffic, improving infrastructure and saving energy. But the data also includes detailed information about the activities of everyone in the city — data that could be used in numerous detrimental ways. And as it stands, these smart city technologies have become covert tools for increasing surveillance, corporate profits and, at worst, social control. First, smart city technologies make it easier than ever for local and federal law enforcement to identify and track individuals.

Source: New York Times June 27, 2019 15:33 UTC