In a significant stride towards enhancing digital transparency and safeguarding residents’ data privacy, the City of Long Beach has unveiled an upgraded Digital Rights Platform. This initiative, a collaboration between the Department of Technology and Innovation and California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), aims to foster a more informed and engaged community in the realm of digital rights.
A. Understanding the Enhanced Digital Rights Platform
The revamped Digital Rights Platform serves as a centralized hub, providing residents with comprehensive information about the city’s data collection and usage practices. It covers various smart city technologies, including public Wi-Fi, security cameras, the Go Long Beach application, and public computers at libraries. Currently, the platform details 20 civic technologies, with plans to include more as they are implemented.
B. Key Features and Accessibility
To ensure widespread accessibility, the platform’s interface has been redesigned for user-friendliness. Information is presented in clear language, supplemented by open-source iconography to visually convey data collection practices. Each technology listed includes details on the type of data collected, the purpose of collection, and how the data is used.
C. Community Engagement through Data Walks
A cornerstone of the platform’s development was community involvement. In March 2024, the city organized “data walks,” where residents participated in guided tours to interact with smart city technologies firsthand. These walks provided insights into the data collected by various technologies and allowed participants to offer feedback, fostering a two-way dialogue between the city and its residents.
D. Multilingual Support and Physical Signage
Recognizing the city’s diverse population, informational signage has been installed in English, Spanish, and Khmer. These signs, placed near select city technologies in Downtown, Central, and North Long Beach, feature QR codes directing users to the Digital Rights Platform for more information.
E. Addressing Public Concerns and Building Trust
The platform also addresses public concerns regarding data privacy. Following a cyberattack in November 2023 that disrupted city services, residents expressed heightened awareness and caution about data security. By transparently communicating data usage and storage policies, the platform aims to rebuild trust and demonstrate the city’s commitment to protecting residents’ digital rights.
F. Integration with the Smart City Initiative
The Digital Rights Platform is a key component of Long Beach’s broader Smart City Initiative, which seeks to leverage technology to improve city services and operations. By providing transparent information about data practices, the platform supports the initiative’s goals of innovation, equity, and community engagement.
G. Recognition and Awards
Long Beach’s efforts in digital innovation have not gone unnoticed. The city has been recognized as a top digital city for four consecutive years, a testament to its leadership in implementing technology services that prioritize residents’ needs and promote digital inclusion.
H. Future Developments and Community Involvement
Looking ahead, the city plans to continue expanding the Digital Rights Platform, incorporating new technologies and gathering ongoing community feedback. Residents are encouraged to visit the platform, participate in surveys, and stay informed about the city’s digital initiatives.
Conclusion
The enhanced Digital Rights Platform represents Long Beach’s commitment to transparency, community engagement, and the protection of digital rights. By involving residents in the conversation and providing accessible information, the city sets a precedent for responsible and inclusive digital governance.
