Scoop News Group
How cities can create a trustworthy privacy model
The growth of digital government services and internet-connected devices scattered across urban landscapes is giving city officials access to ever-increasing amounts of data on their constituents. But while that data can be used to drive policy decisions, cities must first develop trust with their residents who are unfamiliar or uncomfortable with the new technologies.
San Jose announces plan to extend public Wi-Fi
San Jose (CA) and AT&T announced a new project to outfit the city’s streetlights and public parks with public Wi-Fi routers and earthquake sensors. The city plans to outfit 550 streetlights with LED lights, and install 670 smart-lighting controllers, 15 digital infrastructure nodes and 100 Wi-Fi extenders from AT&T. San Jose already offers public Wi-Fi in some parts of its downtown, but the Wi-Fi extenders will improve public safety and expand access to internet in public parks.
Illinois forms council to get seniors and low-income residents online
Gov Bruce Rauner (R-IL) signed into law a bill designed to increase broadband access for the state's growing, but less-connected older population. The bill establishes a 21-member Broadband Advisory Council tasked with figuring out why more seniors aren't using the internet, creating digital literacy programs to overcome those barriers and exploring new technologies to increase broadband connectivity for residents 65 years and older. Among the council members is the secretary of innovation and technology, a spot currently filled by state Chief Information Officer Kirk Lonbom.