No matter how much rhetoric about progress and benefits to society is deployed in the promotion of the Smart City concept, it has the potential to develop into a dystopic future.
Prison cities, which instead of guards, use cameras and microphones, hooked to AI algorithms counting social credit scores; characterised by geofencing – limits on movement and/or area where a person can buy products and services, possibly loss of bodily autonomy.
Smart City
A smart city is a technologically modern urban area that uses different types of electronic methods and sensors to collect specific data. The information gained from that data is used to manage assets, resources and services efficiently; in return, that data is used to improve operations across the city.
Concerns
No matter how much rhetoric about progress and benefits to society is deployed in the promotion of this concept, it has the potential to develop into a dystopic future. Prison cities, which instead of guards, use cameras and microphones, hooked to AI algorithms counting social credit scores; characterised by geofencing – limits on movement and/or area where a person can buy products and services, possibly loss of bodily autonomy (i.e., a say in your own health decisions).
Geofencing
The 15/20-minute neighbourhood as a concept has all necessary amenities supposed to be within 15/20 travel: hospitals, schools, work, shops, etc. – The problem is an inhabitant cannot move/interact with the infrastructure beyond that 15/20 min radius. The doors would not open, and machines will not give out food. It is to stop too much travelling and lower carbon footprints to help fight with climate change.
Facial recognition
The microphones and cameras are to record inhabitants for the purposes of control and social credit score. Allegedly to improve services and safety. Will enable points to be awarded and fines for things like walking at a red light, etc.
