Equity and privacy issues are potential concerns surrounding the deployment of connected, automated vehicles (CAVs). The following are some of the concerns that may arise:
- Equity Issues:
- Access to CAV technology: One potential issue is ensuring equitable access to CAV technology for all members of society. This could be particularly challenging for low-income communities who may not have the financial resources to purchase a CAV or live in areas where infrastructure has not yet been developed.
- Job Displacement: The adoption of CAVs could potentially displace jobs for drivers such as taxi drivers, truck drivers, delivery drivers, and ride-share operators.
- Safety Risks: There is a concern that the deployment of CAVs may increase safety risks for pedestrians and bicyclists if new infrastructure systems aren’t implemented equitably throughout urban areas.
- Privacy Issues:
- Data Collection: Connected vehicle technologies rely on the collection of data from multiple sources including sensors and cameras which can raise privacy concerns about data ownership and usage.
- Hacking Risks: There is a risk that connected vehicles could be hacked by individuals with malicious intent leading to unauthorized access to personal information or even control over the vehicle itself.
Overall, it is important to consider both equity and privacy issues when promoting CAV technologies so as to ensure that these innovations benefit society at large rather than just a select group of people. Policymakers need to carefully consider how they will balance safety improvements with social equity considerations, while also implementing robust cybersecurity measures aimed at protecting user’s data privacy.
