US ‘smart city’ tech highlights contrasts with China over privacy and control

American communities try to balance the benefits of new technology with the threats of a surveillance state. China has a first-mover advantage abroad, particularly in developing nations, installing equipment based on Chinese standards. — SCMP

Christian Hammack stands outside city hall and surveys his kingdom – cars at rest. The Redwood City parking manager has spent years helping transform this California city of 84,000 people near San Francisco into a model of smart city technology.

Parking, however smart, may seem dull. But Redwood City’s hi-tech system is helping revitalise the downtown area, increase business and tax revenue and reduce congestion, pollution and accidents, even as powerful smart city tools raise concerns.