Power and Ethical Concerns in the Integration of Smart City Technologies: A Case Study of Parking Payment Applications in Israel

This study critically examines the impact of private software companies providing mobile parking payment applications in Israel. Our analysis reveals that a many-fold increase in municipal revenues from parking payments did not lead to the intended reduction in parking violations. Furthermore, using various types of analyses, we find that private companies have substantial power over municipalities and residents and can exploit design flaws and the punitive power of authorities for their own financial gain and control over data. These findings underscore the urgent need for better regulation and control over software companies providing access to governmental services.