Smart City & Utility Industry News

PolicyUpcoming projectMobility and TrafficFlock SafetyUSA

Boulder Opens Competitive Bidding for License Plate Readers as Privacy Debate Intensifies

Apr 27, 2026

The City of Boulder launched a formal competitive procurement process on April 17, 2026, inviting vendors to bid on a contract to supply 49 automatic license plate readers (ALPRs) to its police department. The move effectively opens the door to...

PolicyMobility and TrafficSecurityCNILFrance

France Draws a Hard Line on Audio Capture in Video-Monitored Public Spaces

Mar 25, 2026

France’s data protection authority has published new guidance clarifying that audio recording through video surveillance cameras remains firmly prohibited under national law, a ruling with direct consequences for smart city deployments that...

PolicyEnergyOfgemUK

Ofgem Enforces New Smart Meter Compensation Rules Across Great Britain

Feb 5, 2026

Britain’s energy regulator Ofgem has confirmed that three new Guaranteed Standards of Performance for smart meters will take effect from 23 February 2026, mandating automatic £40 payments to households and small businesses when energy...

PolicyUpcoming projectNew Project (Pilot)Mobility and TrafficVideosurveillanceObvioUSA

Maryland Proposes AI Cameras to Tackle Distracted Driving Amid Privacy Concerns

Mar 2, 2025

Maryland lawmakers are considering the use of AI-powered cameras to address distracted driving, a leading cause of crashes and fatalities in the state, responsible for 34% of roadway deaths. The proposed Bill SB613 would deploy cameras capable of...

PolicyEnvironmental MonitoringBelgian Data Protection Authority (DPA)Belgium

Antwerp Ordered to Delete Illegally Recorded Conversations

Feb 20, 2025

The Belgian Data Protection Authority (DPA) has reprimanded the city of Antwerp for unlawfully recording public conversations as part of a noise pollution monitoring initiative. In 2022, Antwerp installed 30 sound sensors in its student district to...

PolicyVideosurveillanceUSA

Florida Lawmakers Propose Ban on AI Gun Detection Technology

Feb 16, 2025

Florida legislators are considering a bill to restrict the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology designed to detect firearms in public spaces. The proposed legislation, filed by Republican Senator Blaise Ingoglia and Representative Monique...

PolicyVideosurveillanceBriefcamFrance

French Court Bans AI Surveillance Software, Setting Precedent

Feb 4, 2025

The Grenoble Administrative Court has ordered the town of Moirans, Isère, to immediately cease using the algorithmic video surveillance software, Briefcam. The ruling, issued on January 31, 2025, follows a legal challenge by digital rights group La...

PolicyVideosurveillanceBriefcamCNILFrance

French Data Authority Challenges AI Surveillance Compliance

Dec 9, 2024

In December 2024, the French data protection authority, CNIL, issued a formal notice to the Ministry of the Interior regarding the use of BriefCam’s video surveillance software by police services. The action follows a November 2023 investigation,...

PolicyWaterOfwatUK

UK Water Firms to Refund £157M for Missed Targets

Oct 9, 2024

Water companies in England and Wales must pay back £157.6 million to customers after failing to meet regulatory standards on pollution, leaks, and supply interruptions, Ofwat announced. This fine will be passed on to millions of customers via lower...

PolicyVideosurveillanceHikvisionDahuaNetherlands

Amsterdam to Replace Over 1,200 Chinese Cameras

Jul 30, 2024

Amsterdam will remove over 1,200 Chinese-made cameras due to concerns about espionage and human rights. The decision was influenced by a 2022 news report by NOS highlighting the presence of Hikvision and Dahua cameras in over fifty Dutch...