Print this page ITS and Privacy Issues: Collect the Data and They Will Come
Mark P. Rossow, PhD, PE Retired
Course Outline
This two-hour online course introduces the legal and political issues that may arise when ITS data collection is implemented. Specific examples of past and possible future issues are described. A checklist for identifying privacy issues is given and a comprehensive table of privacy expectations and legal protections is presented.
This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.
Learning Objective
This course teaches the following specific knowledge and skills:
- Principles and unresolved issues in current privacy law;
- The distinction between anonymous and personally identifiable information;
- The need to obtain consent, when identifying information is collected;
- Different access to information by public as opposed to private actors; and
- Case studies: seat belt ignition interlock, occupant crash protection, automated law enforcement, electronic tolling and graduated driver’s license enforcement.
Intended Audience
This course is intended for transportation engineers and ITS developers.
Benefit to Attendees
A person completing this course will be familiar with and able to design ITS applications that will avoid or at least minimize privacy and civil-liberties objections.
Course Introduction
Developments in the fields of transportation technology and privacy law present an abundance of opportunities for conflict. To avoid these conflicts, ITS developers need to be well-versed in legal and political issues that may arise when collecting data in an ITS project.
Course Content
This course is based on Report No. CTS 11-21, “ITS and Locational Privacy: Suggestions for Peaceful Coexistence,” written by Frank Douma and Sarah Aue, and sponsored by the Intelligent Transportation Systems Institute, Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota, October, 2011.
ITS and Locational Privacy: Suggestions for Peaceful Coexistence
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Course Summary
Privacy issues related to electronic communications in ITS implementation are described, as well as steps that should be taken to minimize or avoid the issues.
Related Links
For additional technical information related to this subject, please visit the following websites or web pages:
Quiz
Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.
DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
