The urban digital twin and its interaction with the property registry: legal challenges in data protection and registry advertising in the smart city

Abstract

The urban digital twin is positioned as a fundamental tool in the transformation of smart cities, integrating advanced technologies to improve planning, sustainability, and efficiency in urban management. Its ability to simulate scenarios in real time allows for the optimization of resource use, reducing costs, and improving disaster resilience. However, its implementation requires substantial investments and strategies to ensure interoperability with pre-existing systems. Furthermore, the digitalization of the urban environment through the urban digital twin must be approached from an ethical and legal perspective, ensuring the protection of personal data in accordance with regulations such as the GDPR. Cybersecurity is an essential pillar to prevent unauthorized access and guarantee citizen trust. The incorporation of registry data into digital twins expands their usefulness in urban planning and land management, promoting transparency and administrative efficiency.

However, access to registry information must balance disclosure with privacy, avoiding the indiscriminate disclosure of sensitive data. The regulation and supervision of the Data Protection Officer (DPO) are key to ensuring regulatory compliance and mitigating the risks associated with the use of these technologies.

In the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the urban digital twin represents a significant advance in the modernization of cities, but its development must be framed within a responsible governance model that balances technological innovation, fundamental rights, and urban sustainability.