What Data Do Soofa Signs Collect?
Recognizing the sensitivity surrounding data collection, Soofa has consistently maintained and prioritized transparency regarding our processes since our very inception.
Make no mistake: Soofa safeguards privacy. We neither capture, transmit nor profit from personal identifiable information (PII) in any way.
Since 2018, Soofa has been at the forefront of utilizing proprietary sensors in our kiosks, aimed at assisting cities in comprehending the utilization of their public spaces while simplifying the process of gathering insights into pedestrian data trends. Municipalities such as Baldwin Park, California, Bay Harbor Islands, Florida, and beyond have leveraged this data to enhance their understanding of traffic flows for urban planning and redevelopment initiatives, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of Soofa Signs and local events.
In short, Soofa utilizes sensors in our kiosks to help cities optimize the use of their public spaces and better understand the volume of foot traffic in key areas of their city.
It is important to re-state in no uncertain terms that Soofa does not collect any identifying data from a person or device.
Our sensor technology operates by solely detecting a unique identifier (MAC address) from passing mobile devices with enabled Wi-Fi. Critically, this MAC address is encrypted directly on the sensor device before transmission to Soofa’s backend and data visualization portal. No other information beyond the MAC address is being collected, no data correlation is performed and the information is not shared with any 3rd party. The entire process is entirely passive and Soofa Signs never respond to or communicate with devices in any way.
Our sensors have provided an instrumental value to customers such as Brigham City, Utah, and Eastvale, California, deriving significant value from the insights gained into foot traffic patterns in their most frequented locations.
Most recently, Sylvia Abernathy, Director of Economic Development for the City of Fairburn, Georgia, highlighted the utility of the signs and the invaluable pedestrian foot traffic data they provide.
“Since we've installed the Soofa Signs, we have had increasingly more pedestrian traffic in our downtown area where the signs have been placed,” said Abernathy. “Not only are the signs driving our community engagement, they're helping us to maintain our downtown spaces. Most importantly, the signs allow you, on a daily basis, to update your citizens, your tourists, and your businesses of what's going on in your community. It’s a great platform to provide an overview of what makes your city great.”
Soofa remains committed to serving our city partners and their constituents with a unique, solar-powered platform that provides equitable access to information across communities.