Google's first urban development raises data concerns

Heated streets will melt ice and snow on contact. Sensors will monitor traffic and protect pedestrians. Driverless shuttles will carry people to their doors.

A unit of Google's parent company Alphabet is proposing to turn a rundown part of Toronto's waterfront into what may be the most wired community in history to "fundamentally refine what urban life can be."
"Those are great uses of data that can improve the quality of life of people,' he said. "That's what we want to do." Sidewalk Labs promotional materials promise "a place that's enhanced by digital technology and data, without giving up the privacy and security that everyone deserves."
"People automatically assume because of our relationship to Alphabet and Google that they will be treated one way or another. We have never said anything" about the data issue, he said. "To be honest people should give us some time. Be patient."
"Everybody gets worried about the digital and technology aspects that might run amok," she said. "I don't worry about that as much as I see the opportunities for developing a really interesting, innovative community."