Can It! Corporation Puts Lid on Nosey Bins

The City of London Corporation, which provides local authority services to the business district around St Paul's, has ordered marketing agency Renew to stop collecting data using devices in recycling bins in the Square Mile streets.

The 'Renew ORB' technology, which detects smartphones by proximity, speed, duration, and manufacturer, was installed in bombproof waste and recycling bins in the City back in June, in order to measure the variables in market share between mobile handheld providers in the area.

In a statement on its web site, Renew said that ORB gives an 'unparalleled insight' into the past behavior of unique devices - entry/exit points, dwell times, places of work, places of interest and affinity to other devices - and should provide a 'compelling reach data base' for predictive analytics, including likely places to eat and drink, personal habits etc.

Tests running between 21st-24th May and 2nd-9th June captured four million events, and more than 530,000 unique devices via ORB technology placed in twelve City sites. However, the technology has apparently caused concern among the public, and the Corporation has now demanded that Renew ceases data collection. It has also taken the issue to the Information Commissioner's Office.

A spokesman from the authority said: 'Irrespective of what's technically possible, anything that happens like this on the streets needs to be done carefully, with the backing of an informed public. This latest development was precipitate and clearly needs much more thought - in the meantime data collection - even if it is anonymised - needs to stop.'

In response, Renew CEO Kaveh Memari confirmed that his firm's trials have ceased, adding: 'Future developments will not just depend on technology, but also, most importantly, on people being comfortable with interactive technology. We always adhere to the ethical and lawful standards of the City, would never contravene any data protection principles, and are unable to obtain or disclose personal data.'

Web sites: www.cityoflondon.gov.uk and www.renewlondon.com .

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.