How Will the Internet of Things Change Government and Democracy?

This article has been published by Techdigg.

Smart cities and big data will have a huge impact on the political future

The ability of local and national governments to access vast amounts of data has already caused well publicized conflicts, because while we know that access to more information can be used for good, we also know it can be misused. Smart cities and the Internet of Things will accelerate data collection enormously, so how will this change politics?

While an Orwellian future is possible, it is misguided to assume the Internet of Things will lead to a 1984-esque Big Brother state in which technology is used to monitor our every move - even our every thought - in order to stifle and control us.

It makes more sense to look at specific questions - and also to assume that when local government officials get up every morning, their thoughts over breakfast are more likely to be related to how their smart city can benefit its connected citizens, rather than how best to secretly tap into their neighbors' minds.

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