Very few people walk through Brussels and think about what data is being collected on them, and where. From Friday, one university is organising a tour around the city highlighting exactly that.
When thinking of cameras and sensors that can track people in public spaces and collect their data, people usually think of police and traffic cameras, however, other such devices in public places are popping up in more and more places, oftentimes without people being aware of them.
For example, some electronic billboards have invisible cameras incorporated into them that record how long someone looks at an ad and whether they show enthusiasm. In the meantime, it can also collect data on people's age and gender.
From Friday 24 March, walks will be organised through the centre of the capital, stopping at a number of visible and invisible places where sensors or cameras collect data on them, with or without their knowledge.
The initiative, organised by FARI, the joint artificial intelligence initiative led by the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and the Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), aims to make citizens aware of those — sometimes minuscule — devices that are able to gather a myriad of information on them.
"During the walk, we will take a closer look at who manages that data and what it is used for, but also where other or new interesting applications might be possible with that data," said Emilie Macarinni, Service Hub Coordinator at FARI.
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"Furthermore, there is a focus on the ethical dimension of that data collection and the legal side of things. We answer whether collecting data without people even being aware of it is allowed, for example.
The walk lasts around one hour. Participants are accompanied by a specialised guide from FARI who will provide information along the way.
