Privatization and Privacy in the Digital City

Abstract

The concept of Smart Cities is accentuated as ICT corporations engage in market monopolies under the umbrella of proprietary technology and thus further negates the possibilities of technology transfer and knowledge transfer. While technologically inclined urban solutions are seen as being tailored in accordance to the city’s need and financial capabilities, the main objective remain the selling of a product while ensuring large profit margins. This has been often contested as this gives rise to a number of issues relating to privacy and intellectual property catalysed through Public–Private Partnerships. This paper discusses this dichotomy and outlines that there are emerging areas that need consideration for the thematic of public data when coupling technology providers with cities.