Privacy and Urban Big Data

 Balancing Between Privacy and Functionality in the Age of Urban Big Data

Project Lead:
Mohamed Ouf, Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University

Co-investigators:
Mazdak Nik-Bakht, Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University

Jing Iris Hu, Philosophy, Concordia University

Stefanie Duguay, Communication Studies, Concordia University

This interdisciplinary research project examines a complex urban challenge that has grown exponentially in recent years given the current rise in urban big data and legislation for open access data in cities across the world, including Montréal. The project focuses on investigating the socio-technical challenges related to processing and analyzing urban big data, considering ethical handling of such data while maintaining citizen privacy and security. Through workshops and public engagement endeavours, the research team will investigate uses of urban big data as well as perceptions, protocols, and best practices regarding the protection of user privacy, disseminating findings to empower stakeholders to manage the risks and opportunities of data generated through our interactions with the built environment.

Watch our first workshop, facilitated by Concordia’s 4th Space, where we explore conceptual frameworks related to urban big data and privacy:

Research Outputs:

Zay, S.U., Ouf, M.M., Nik-Bakht, M., Duguay, S. (2022). Data-driven smart building applications and relevant privacy considerations: A review. 5th International Conference on Building Energy and Environment (COBEE), July 25-29, Concordia University, Montreal, Canada.