The Internet of Things (IoT) describes a connected world in which humans, machines and infrastructure are in constant communication with each other. As we move towards a reality in which vast amounts of data are being collected and transmitted about the world around us, how will this shape cities and public life? What are the implications for privacy and security? What are the possibilities and risks presented by this new technology?

On April 21, we will convene foundation presidents and civic and industry leaders to discuss the emerging field of IoT. Through a series of thought-provoking panel discussions, we will explore public interest issues surrounding the IoT, including topics such as: How should we be thinking about public education and consumer advocacy? And how are cities thinking of leveraging sensor-based technology to improve services?

This conference is the result of the NetGain Partnership, which is a collaboration between five foundations (Ford Foundation, Knight Foundation, MacArthur Foundation, Mozilla Foundation and Open Society Foundations) to explore public interest technology issues. Collectively, the foundations have made nearly $4 million in grants in support of IoT research and initiatives since 2016.

Check out the agenda below, and on Friday, April 21, tune in via knightfoundation.org/live from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. to view the live stream.

Eva Pereira is a technology innovation associate at Knight Foundation. Email her via [email protected] and follow her on Twitter @EvaNPereira.

NetGain Internet of Things Conference Agenda

Friday, April 21

9:30-10 a.m. Welcome to New York Public Library, Tony Marx, New York Public Library

10-10:30 a.m. Opening keynote, Julia Angwin, ProPublica

10:30-10:45 a.m. Break

10:45 -11:45 a.m. Panel No. 1 –­ Foundation presidents discuss NetGain Partnership, goals of IoT grants

• Marta Tellado, President, Consumer Reports (moderator)
• Alberto Ibargüen, President, Knight Foundation
• Chris Stone, President, Open Society Foundations
• Mark Surman, Executive Director, Mozilla Foundation
• Darren Walker, President, Ford Foundation

11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. Panel No. 2 –­ Privacy and Data Security Issues with IoT

• Mark Surman, Executive Director, Mozilla Foundation (moderator)
• Scout Brody, Executive Director, Simply Secure
• Matt Mitchell, Organizer, Crypto Harlem
• Bruce Schneier, Board Member, Electronic Frontier Foundation
• Marek Tuszynski, Co-founder and Creative Director, Tactical Tech

12:45-1 p.m. Break

1-2 p.m. Lunch

2-3 p.m. Panel No. 3 –­ IoT and Cities

• Susan Crawford, Professor of Law, Harvard Law School (moderator)
• Charles Brennan, Chief Technology Officer, city of Philadelphia
• James Hardy, Chief of Staff, city of Akron, Ohio
• Jascha Franklin-Hodge, Chief Information Officer, city of Boston
• Shireen Santosham, Chief Innovation Officer, city of San Jose, California

3-3:30 p.m. Closing remarks

• Mark Surman, Executive Director, Mozilla Foundation
• John Bracken, Vice President/Technology Innovation, Knight Foundation