Jennifer James

It has been established that “smartness” is a form of branding to market cities as modern, innovative, and efficient. Submerged under these overarching values are several others that depend on who is wielding the terminology, ranging from sustainability to entrepreneurship. Smartness rarely centers low-tech common-sense solutions or meeting the demands of those most vulnerable in society. This talk unearths what we mean by smartness and considers the inherent challenges of making smart city technology “ethical.” Finally, it addresses initial steps to make “doing ethics” easier.

This session explores two impactful books that tackle the intersection of technology, society, and equity. Being Human in Digital Cities by Myria Georgiou delves into how technology reshapes urban life, advocating for human-centered cities rooted in social justice. Digitally Invisible by Nicol Turner Lee highlights the growing digital divide in America, sharing stories from the emerging digital underclass and calling for equitable tech access. Join us to discuss how both authors envision a more inclusive, digital future.

When used for city services, do advanced technologies guarantee data protection and facilitate digital trust? How are governments responding to the consequences of implementing new technologies in urban living? This session will reflect on the evolving relationships between citizens and technology, discuss the evolution of threats like cyberattacks, fake news, and digital bias, and debate regulation in the digital age.