Author: Phil Dawson Faun Rice Maya Watson
Publisher: Harvard Kennedy School
Publication Year: 2022
Summary: The following research paper highlights the importance of designing “intelligent community” projects to be able to meet their full potential in serving public interest, focusing on human rights and risk. They look at the types of digital systems and infrastructure being commissioned by cities, as well as risk involved. Most projects rarely name or consider human rights (different from social impact parameters). They also examine the role and value of human rights impact assessments (HRIAs) when creating and building these projects, looking at privacy, security, and equity. Overall, they emphasize how digital infrastructure is needed for the “equitable delivery of public services.”