UN official: Internet of Things has also brought many new challenges

The Internet of Things has created new opportunities for the digitalization of infrastructure, but has also brought many new challenges.

Report informs that Aline Matta, senior programme management officer at the UN, said this at an event titled "Artificial Intelligence for Cities – Urban Planning and Building Smart, Sustainable Communities," held as part of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku.

According to her, there is a persistent digital divide, while artificial intelligence and disinformation are on the rise: "With regard to infrastructure, trust in public institutions and the fact that many cities sometimes become testing grounds for even unregulated solutions to move forward, we have seen numerous threats related to cybersecurity, privacy and surveillance."

The guest noted that from a global perspective, given that 2.8 billion people lack access to adequate housing and 1.1 billion people live in informal settlements and slums, the use of technology is becoming even more important: "You are probably aware that by 2050, almost 70% of the world's population is expected to live in cities. Therefore, if the global housing crisis is not resolved, it will only increase and grow along with the challenges ahead.

"One of the challenges we face when talking about smart cities is the need to move from a technology-driven approach to a needs-driven approach. Instead of trying to find a problem for the technology we want to use, we must prioritize people, using technology as a means to achieve a goal."