Nudging Citizens through Technology in Smart Cities

International Review of Law, Computers & Technology, Vol. 33, 2019, Forthcoming

University of Groningen Faculty of Law Legal Studies Research Paper Series, No. 1/2019

44 Pages Posted: 14 Feb 2019 Last revised: 17 Apr 2019

See all articles by Sofia Ranchordas

Sofia Ranchordas

Tilburg University; Libera Universita Internazionale degli Studi Sociali

Date Written: February 12, 2019

Abstract

In the last decade, several smart cities throughout the world have started employing Internet of Things, big data, and algorithms to nudge citizens to save more water and energy, live healthily, use public transportation, and participate more actively in local affairs. Thus far, the potential and implications of data-driven nudges and behavioral insights in smart cities have remained an overlooked subject in the legal literature. Nevertheless, combining technology with behavioral insights may allow smart cities to nudge citizens more systematically and help these urban centers achieve their sustainability goals and promote civic engagement. For example, in Boston, real-time feedback on driving has increased road safety and in Eindhoven, light sensors have been used to successfully reduce nightlife crime and disturbance. While nudging tends to be well-intended, data-driven nudges raise a number of legal and ethical issues. This article offers a novel and interdisciplinary perspective on nudging which delves into the legal, ethical, and trust implications of collecting and processing large amounts of personal and impersonal data to influence citizens’ behavior in smart cities.

Keywords: nudging, Internet-of-things, Big data, smart cities, regulation, governance, privacy, behavioural law and economics; predictive analytics; artificial intelligence; algorithms

JEL Classification: K20; K23; G28

Suggested Citation

Ranchordas, Sofia, Nudging Citizens through Technology in Smart Cities (February 12, 2019). International Review of Law, Computers & Technology, Vol. 33, 2019, Forthcoming, University of Groningen Faculty of Law Legal Studies Research Paper Series, No. 1/2019, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3333111 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3333111

Sofia Ranchordas (Contact Author)

Tilburg University ( email )

P.O. Box 90153
Tilburg, DC Noord-Brabant 5000 LE
Netherlands

Libera Universita Internazionale degli Studi Sociali ( email )

Rome
Italy

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