Electronic billboards powered by solar energy are popping up all over the Boston area. The sofa sign is like a public service announcement, with a paper-like white display displaying the latest weather alerts and news.
The signs also collect cell phone data from unsuspecting pedestrians.
Sufa, who is based in Cambridge, covered the data collection on Tuesday after Brookline News first reported on the sensor technology. Soufa clarified that no personally identifying information will be collected, but said people walking near the signs with Wi-Fi-enabled devices will become part of a pedestrian trend tracker available to municipalities. Ta.
What data does Soofa Sign collect?
The company says the sign collects the device's unique address and encrypts it before sending it back to Soofa. Ms Soufa described the collection as “passive”.
“Recognizing the sensitivity around data collection and privacy, Sufa has consistently maintained and prioritized transparency regarding our processes,” they said in a statement.
Souffa said the municipality uses the data collected to record pedestrian traffic flow to aid in planning and development. The company said the data will not be shared with third parties, only with municipalities.
“In short, Soofa leverages kiosk sensors to help cities optimize the use of public spaces and better understand footfall in key areas of a city,” the company said.
Where are the signs?
There are dozens of Sufa billboards in Brookline, but the digital billboards are located in Watertown, Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, Medford, Everett, Malden, Chelsea, Revere, Winthrop, Framingham, Springfield, Haverhill and New Bedford. , there is also one in Dedham. Company website.
Launched at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology a decade ago, Soofa has been rolled out in more than a dozen other states.
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