Smart Cities for Equitable Societies: Promoting Digital Equality, Trust, and Ethical Governance

In the field of smart urban systems, discussions often revolve around conventional challenges such as data privacy, integration of Internet of Things devices, and scalable infrastructure design. However, the focus on technological innovation often overlooks important concerns about digital equality, privacy, bias, and ethical governance. This paper aims to foster a shifting in the narrative towards these less discussed areas, arguing that the true measure of a smart city's success lies not only in its technological capabilities but also in its commitment to inclusivity, privacy, trust, and ethical integrity. This paper examines the inclusivity of smart services, emphasising the need for digital equality while also discussing privacy regulations and the role of trust in fostering citizen engagement. Additionally, it explores how decision-making can perpetuate inequalities and the importance of transparent governance. Such important discussions address ethical and social implications, which ultimately contribute to a more nuanced understanding of smart cities and advocates for policies and practices that prioritise social equity alongside technological innovations.