Amsterdam stops using 'smart' traffic lights due to privacy legislation

Amsterdam is stopping with 'smart' traffic lights. This has to do with privacy legislation, AT5 reports: the protection of personal data is at risk if a traffic light 'knows' who is approaching. The alderman's decision is a remarkable turnaround. More than a year ago, the municipality of Amsterdam announced that every traffic light in the city would soon be an 'intelligent traffic light'. The idea was that these traffic lights would be able to r…

In the fight against congestion, Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, announced the implementation of “smart traffic lights” last year. Ultimately, the plan to introduce the technology to the city was abandoned for an incredible reason.

The municipality does not want so-called intelligent traffic lights in the city for the time being. This is due to privacy concerns, but also the fear that the traffic lights will be hacked. This is evident from answers sent this week by alderman Melanie van der Horst (Traffic) to questions from GroenLinks council member Elisabeth IJmker and Party for the Animals council member Judith Krom. Van der Horst states that there are 'several reasons' w…