Ethics of Government Use of Data Collected Via Intelligent Transportation Systems

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The convergence of sensing, wireless telecommunications, and multi-media platforms has provided new opportunities for the development of intelligent transportation systems (ITS). While ITS applications can enhance mobility, increase safety, and improve the environmental performance of the transportation system, they also raise legal and ethical questions about privacy, anonymity, and other concerns related to use of ITS data. As a prerequisite to deployment of ITS technologies, these issues must be addressed to the satisfaction of all parties, including government agencies, businesses, and private citizens. This paper summarizes the legal environment affecting ITS, as well as controls used by agencies and industry to ensure ethical practices relating to ITS. It also describes specific ITS applications and discusses several issues relating to government involvement with ITS applications and data.