The neoliberal city and data sovereignty: mapping the scene of datafication devices in São Paulo

Abstract

This article aims to relate the development of São Paulo structured on economic liberalism and, later, on neoliberalism, with the current processes of data extraction through digital platforms and big tech companies based on datafication. We argue that data sovereignty is an indispensable element in the possibility that citizens and public administration have control over personal data generated from city life and can determine what the city may become, considering the idea of right to the city (Harvey, 2014). Our goal is to carry out an exploratory mapping of São Paulo's position in this scene. To this goal, a survey was made of the urban datafication devices in the city operated by the City Hall, but also by the private enterprises. This mapping resulted in 35 devices, 30 of which have a direct influence on processes of mobility, consumption, and work. We concluded that São Paulo is part of the personal data market and that such processes interfere in several elements of urban life, but that sovereignty is not yet an element considered in the decision-making process for the adoption of such devices.