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Erie, Pennsylvania installs free wi-fi kiosks, addresses privacy issues

July 17, 2019

Erie, Pennsylvania has installed free public wi-fi kiosks that allow motorists to pay for downtown parking using credit cards as part of the city's Smart City Initiative, an effort to encourage development, according to a goerie.com report.

City officials said they are cognizant of privacy issues associated with smart cities and have made sure personal data will be protected. Some security cameras throughout the city are capable of facial recognition and capturing vehicle license plates.

Quantela Inc., a data analytics company, assisted the city in the $300,000 project, which was paid for by Erie Innovation District funds.