Chicago Adding Sensors For Public Monitoring

An anonymous reader writes "A research project dubbed the 'Array of Things' will add sensors for public monitoring throughout Chicago. The project is being started by a collaborative effort between the University of Chicago and Argonne National Laboratories. The goal of the project is to build a permanent data collection infrastructure to monitor things that might help government officials, researchers and companies better understand the city environment. Sensors will examine various attributes such as air quality, wind, light, sound heat, precipitation, and of course cell phone data. Eventually the researchers would like to see the sensors exist as a public utility throughout the entire city to help public, private and academic partners learn about the city. Researchers say there is nothing to fear about privacy because the sensors will only count people by observing cellphone traffic. With such assurances from researchers working in a shining example of transparency and democratic freedom like Chicago, what could possible go wrong?"

Comments

It's Chicago

[PPH]

They could just count voters.

No, wait. Forget that.

Re:It's Chicago

[PopeRatzo]

Sometimes I forget that Slashdot is considered a "liberal" site...

Just because a place is run by Democrats does not mean there's anything "liberal" about it.

Chicago Democratic politicians are some of the most illiberal people you will ever meet. Especially our mayors. The last liberal mayor we had was Harold Washington, who was a really decent guy and a great mayor. Before him there was Jane Byrne, who was also really good for the city. Much of what's good in the city today had its start during Washington's administration, and you can trace most of the rot to the past two scumbags. The current mayor Rahm and his predecessor, Daley, are nothing but corporatist tyrants. It's why the bankers and Chamber of Commerce and corporate leaders all love them.

Here's a rule of thumb. If bankers and Wall Street support a politician, forget about their party label. They are scummy authoritarian fascists whose only agenda is the upward redistribution of wealth. You can count our current president and congressional leadership among them.

I'm not saying the two parties are the same, but their differences are completely trivial. It's why we see fundamentally the same policies no matter who gets elected.

Re:It's Chicago

[pete6677]

Chicago residents have zero interest in individual rights and freedom. In fact, the very idea frightens them. They would much rather have the government take care of them and tell them what to do. This is why every Chicago incumbent (all Democrats) gets reelected as long as they are interested in running. People here have no desire for reform, as they are either getting something from "the system" or think they will be too.

Once I realized this, a lot of things that were previously a mystery all of a sudden became clear.

Re:It's Chicago

[mysidia]

Install sensors in Abraham lincoln's grave. As he turns in his grave; the direction he chooses to turn will indicate the vote; Aye or Nay.

Re:It's Chicago

[pslytely psycho]

"Install sensors in Abraham lincoln's grave. As he turns in his grave; the direction he chooses to turn will indicate the vote; Aye or Nay."

Oh please, he'll be spinning so fast in the 'nay' direction to be pointless.... ....however, hook a generator up to him and he should be able to power a fair portion of the city...... :)

Splunk log

[Anonymous Coward]

2014, Jun, 20 22:15:47 - Person with SSN 352-79-3492 enters establishment 'Marla's Marvelous Massage'
2014, Jun, 21 01:42:15 - Person with SSN 352-79-3492 exits establishment 'Marla's Marvelous Massage'
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Sigh

[LookIntoTheFuture]

The goal of the project is to build a permanent data collection infrastructure to monitor things that might help government officials, researchers and companies better understand the city environment.

The road to hell is paved with good intentions.

Scratch the cell phone monitoring, and

[Nutria]

it would also be darned useful to non-fascists.

Re: Cell Phone = National ID

[ShieldW0lf]

Am I the only one who thinks this is cool as hell, and wants this made open access for all?

Why is it ALWAYS with the fear mongering about the privacy you already don't have, and no one ever talks about the better decisions we could be making if everyone knew what the elite already know?

Sensor networks are interesting for their potential to tell us things we'd never think to ask. About ourselves.

Quit trying to hide like cowards and chase the power to watch the watchers, you mis'rble bastards!

Re:How To Tell You Live In A Dictatorship

[Nidi62]

The best test is can you openly criticize your government. If the answer is yes then congratulations, you don't live in a dictatorship.

Re:Fuck 'em

[Mister Liberty]

Or, you could just 'early adopt' one of those sensors for your own projects.

Re: Cell Phone = National ID

[ShieldW0lf]

The planet where the elite want you to talk about chasing the wrong dream, and I'm fighting against that influence in every debate on this subject.