In recent years, the world has witnessed the rise of outbreaks, epidemics, and pandemics such as SARS, Zika virus, Ebola and now COVID-19.
This special panel will raise awareness of the challenges that society could face in the context of a future pandemic crisis and will stimulate discussion on the role of ICT technologies as an enabler for futuristic solutions. Building on these technologies and addressing related legal and societal concerns will be critical for ensuring that the next outbreak is minimized or even avoided.
Artificial intelligence, data analytics and ICTs have played a critical role in helping society mitigate and manage the effects of global health emergency situations, particularly through identifying health treatments, monitoring the infection rate and predicting the evolution of contagion.
In smart cities, mobile, wireless, high speed networks, virtual reality, and Internet of Things (IoT) have enabled new ways for people to connect and work, for industries to ensure business continuity, for governments and local authorities to provide access to basic services (especially critical ones such as remote healthcare, telemedicine, etc.) during widespread lockdown.
Nonetheless, the expansion of smart city capabilities raises some serious questions in terms of possible threats to privacy and individual freedoms, as well as concerns about the inclusivity and accessibility of the proposed digital solutions. Is there too much of a risk in letting a data-driven model of urban surveillance become the new global standard? Is our society prepared to deal with the consequences of widespread lockdown inclusively? Are cities planned to operate in ways that can minimize the undesired effects of unknown viruses and protect the most vulnerable people, including people with disabilities?
