DATA

DATA PROTECTION AND STORAGE

Since the MX3D Bridge is a “smart” bridge, it collects data. This data is anonymized before anyone sees it! 

The data collected by the MX3D Bridge is anonymous. The sensors on the bridge include load cells, strain gauges, accelerometers, thermistors, and inclinometers. None of these sensors are capable of collecting anything considered personal data under GDPR. Personal data is data that can trace back to the individual.

The bridge also has cameras and audio sensors which anonymize raw data. The audio sensors are currently off but are set up to only save the “loudness” on the bridge at 30-second intervals. The raw camera data converts to JSON files of skeletal figures (see image below). Researchers will only have access to the skeletal data, which will be saved in a shared cloud platform. Under GDPR, individuals have the right to have personal data deleted. Although there is an exception for personal data collected for research purposes, the researchers want to be as secure as possible. In the case of the bridge, all raw camera data is only stored locally, not duplicated for research and will be deleted within three months.  
 
This means that none of the data saved to the cloud can be connected to specific persons that have been on or around the bridge, this is how we protect your individual privacy beyond GDPR. 

Note: the camera and microphone sensors are switched off currently and will not be activated until the Privacy Officer of the City of Amsterdam has fully approved the ethical protocol as proposed by the consortium members.

Why is the data being collected?

The MX3D Bridge data collection has several goals. The Smarter Bridges research group spans a few institutions. Generally, research is centred on structural health monitoring as well learning more about the patterns of the area and use of the infrastructure through anonymous data collection. The skeletalized camera data will help connect anonymous actions occurring on the bridge to other sensor feedback. To read more on the research being conducted please visit this page. 

The data is also being made accessible to the City of Amsterdam which may have an interest in crowd control for safety and well-being – something already extensively monitored in the district (link).

In a wider sense this project allows for exploring the role of IoT systems in the built environment. In concert with academic and industry researchers, the City will investigate questions regarding open data, data ethics, citizen ownership and the impact of tourism. Ultimately, the City of Amsterdam is the owner of the data.

We share the data with you, so you can also benefit from our data collection.

We think you should be able to benefit from data collection too! That is why we have created an interface, on which you also can see live data measurements on the bridge (coming soon). You can see what your influence on the bridge is, and you also get a peek into what the researchers are seeing as well. We will also keep you informed on events where you can learn more about the bridge.

For the privacy policy applicable to the collection of data from the MX3D Bridge project, please click here.

Contact

If you have any questions and/or feedback about the data, please contact us at info@smartbridgeamsterdam.com. 

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