Charter for Emerging Technology
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836 Londoners have responded | 16/06/2020 - 31/08/2021
How do you feel about new technology and innovation in London?
From Transport for London’s easy contactless payments to the Met Police’s largest body-worn camera roll out in Europe, London has a great track record for innovation. In the future, better connectivity, faster access to data, and improvements in artificial intelligence and machine learning will support the development of new technology – also called emerging technology.
A good example is augmented reality, an interactive experience where real-world objects are combined with computer generated images via a screen or a headset. This technology could be used to look at a planning application in real life, where the building is superimposed on the proposed location. We can then see how it will look, before we grant permission for it to be built.
Another emerging technology is machine learning and artificial intelligence. This is when a computer is programmed to simulate human intelligence to make decisions, carry out tasks and learn from it. City Hall has been using machine learning to understand how busy and ‘COVID-safe’ our streets are, by training a computer to distinguish cars from lorries, from cyclists, from people and give us the number of people, cars or cyclists on our streets and work out how far apart they are. This works without facial recognition nor does it store personal data, it simply gives us a count of pedestrians walking, cars driving and cyclists cycling.
It is important that London sets out its expectations of any new technology that is proposed in our city, and that Londoners have a voice in these developments. It is also important that innovators have a place to test and sense-check their new technologies. That’s why City Hall is developing a Charter for Emerging Technology.
We’re keen to hear from you! How do you feel about new technology and innovation in London? Do you consider it a force for good, bad or neither?
Tell us in the discussion below.
The discussion ran from 26 November 2020 - 11 December 2020
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Community Member 4 years agoAugmented technology to show what a building proposal could look like is needed now - in Enfield- where Deustche are hoping to build a 20 floor development in the centre of our lovely Market Town which currently only has a couple of high...
Show full commentAugmented technology to show what a building proposal could look like is needed now - in Enfield- where Deustche are hoping to build a 20 floor development in the centre of our lovely Market Town which currently only has a couple of high-rises put in years ago before the current Conservation Area was established. It would show any supporters of this scheme what a disaster it would be for the whole ambiance of Enfield. Yes, a re-invigorated shopping experience is needed but not for the whole town to be blackmailed into having this at the expense of our skyline is criminal! Hopefully, the new Mayor next year will put an end to this scheme
Show less of commentFlyingDutchman1
Community Member 4 years agoDefinitely feel that new technology and innovation in London is a force for good, if used correctly and with everyone in mind.
The augmented reality sounds like a good idea. You've seen in TV programmes and films and this is using it in a...
Show full commentDefinitely feel that new technology and innovation in London is a force for good, if used correctly and with everyone in mind.
The augmented reality sounds like a good idea. You've seen in TV programmes and films and this is using it in a positive way.
Machine learning also seems to be a good idea. Needless to say we are miles away from anything like I, Robot or Terminator 2 with regards to machines taking over! Used in a controlled and sensible way this could help collate data to help others.
As long as the money allocated for these ventures is distributed, spent and monitored well that can only be a good thing.
Consultations like this also need to be at the forefront so that Londoners feel their voice is being heard, across all races, religions and needs.
Show less of commentRobCH
Community Member 4 years agoTechnology is a means, not an end in itself. Nor is it good to pursue a track record for innovation if it doesn't positively improve life for Londoners. First define the aims - the challenges, opportunities, alternatives that people want to...
Show full commentTechnology is a means, not an end in itself. Nor is it good to pursue a track record for innovation if it doesn't positively improve life for Londoners. First define the aims - the challenges, opportunities, alternatives that people want to be solved - and then specify the needs that technology should set out meet. Whatever you do, don't blindly allow techies to create "solutions" without a solid, real-world, real-people, real-money frame of reference, clear conditions for success and failure, and a long, long look for unconsidered consequences.
Show less of commentsukiej
Community Member 4 years agoCompletely agree
Show full commentCompletely agree
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