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
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: Suggested Citation