Privacy and Surveillance Ethics in AI-Driven Smart Cities: Examining Trust, Consent, and Rights in a Digitized Urban Landscape

Abstract

Abstract: This paper investigates the ethical landscape of AI-driven surveillance systems deployed in smart cities, focusing on the delicate balance between public safety and individual privacy rights. As technologies like facial recognition and predictive policing become central to urban governance, the implications for data consent, transparency, accountability, and civil liberties grow increasingly complex. This study examines global case studies, legal frameworks, technical methodologies, and societal perceptions to highlight ethical pitfalls and policy recommendations. Emphasis is placed on establishing trust in AI systems, ensuring informed consent, and promoting responsible surveillance practices through participatory governance.

Keywords: AI surveillance, smart cities, facial recognition, predictive policing, privacy ethics, data consent, algorithmic accountability, digital rights, public trust, urban governance