Google’s sister company, Sidewalk Labs announced a public engagement plan last year aimed at transforming Toronto’s Quayside neighbourhood into an innovative, tech-centric and inclusive space. The project has since caused controversy over concerns of data and privacy issues, as well as a lack of public trust.
The controversy was highlighted when the Former Ontario privacy commissioner Ann Cavoukian resigned from her role as an Advisor to Sidewalk Labs in October 2018, at around the same time as the resignation of Saadia Muzaffar from her role on the Digital Strategy Advisory Panel.
The controversy has drawn in local politicians to the defense of the project, including Mayor John Tory and Ontario MP Adam Vaughn.
