Seattle council greenlights digital kiosks on city streets

Seattle City Council approved the installation of 30 digital kiosks in the downtown area, with plans to complete installation by next summer. Each kiosk will stand over 8 feet tall and provide information on local events while generating approximately $1. 1 million annually in advertising revenue. Mayor Bruce Harrell expressed support for the initiative, which aims to enhance public spaces in the business district. Privacy advocates have voiced concerns about the kiosks' surveillance capabilities, but the ordinance restricts their photographic functions to a user-operated selfie feature.

The Downtown Seattle Association intends to allocate the advertising revenue towards downtown improvement projects, benefiting local businesses and the community. Another 30 kiosks may be installed later, with potential expansions to West Seattle, SoDo, Ballard, and the University District. The kiosks' rollout coincides with Seattle's hosting of six FIFA World Cup matches, highlighting the city's efforts to prepare for increased tourism. This initiative reflects the city's dual focus on modernization and addressing public concerns regarding privacy and surveillance.