Abstract
As 5G-enabled smart cities to become increasingly data-driven and interconnected, the rapid use of AI raises pressing concerns about privacy, ethics, and individual autonomy. Without Human-Centered AI (HCAI) frameworks and protections for digital sovereignty, citizen trust in urban technologies is at risk, threatening long-term societal acceptance. This paper examines how HCAI can be operationalized to build trustworthy smart-city ecosystems. It examines the intersection of digital sovereignty, privacy, and governance and proposes strategies to enhance citizen trust in 5G-enabled environments. A comparative analysis is conducted to identify principles, challenges, and frameworks for embedding trust in the design and deployment of HCAI. We propose a three-tier HCAI trust model comprising three interrelated layers: ethical, functional, and institutional trust. The model is validated statistically using a survey. Findings indicate a growing consensus on the need for AI systems that reflect human values and ensure transparent decision-making. However, significant gaps remain in aligning AI deployment with digital sovereignty and public trust, particularly regarding data control, accountability, user consent, and governance within 5G infrastructure. HCAI must be embedded into policy, design, and technology to build trustworthy smart cities.
Paper Type
Short Paper
DOI
10.62036/ISD.2026.193
From Technology to Trust: Advancing Human-Centric AI and Digital Sovereignty
As 5G-enabled smart cities to become increasingly data-driven and interconnected, the rapid use of AI raises pressing concerns about privacy, ethics, and individual autonomy. Without Human-Centered AI (HCAI) frameworks and protections for digital sovereignty, citizen trust in urban technologies is at risk, threatening long-term societal acceptance. This paper examines how HCAI can be operationalized to build trustworthy smart-city ecosystems. It examines the intersection of digital sovereignty, privacy, and governance and proposes strategies to enhance citizen trust in 5G-enabled environments. A comparative analysis is conducted to identify principles, challenges, and frameworks for embedding trust in the design and deployment of HCAI. We propose a three-tier HCAI trust model comprising three interrelated layers: ethical, functional, and institutional trust. The model is validated statistically using a survey. Findings indicate a growing consensus on the need for AI systems that reflect human values and ensure transparent decision-making. However, significant gaps remain in aligning AI deployment with digital sovereignty and public trust, particularly regarding data control, accountability, user consent, and governance within 5G infrastructure. HCAI must be embedded into policy, design, and technology to build trustworthy smart cities.
Recommended Citation
Misra, S., Barik, K., Kvalvik, P. & Jørgensen, P.A.(2026). From Technology to Trust: Advancing Human-Centric AI and Digital Sovereignty. In M. Valenta, B. Mannová, R. Pergl, A. Przybylek, M. Lang, H. Linger, C. Schneider, N. Iivari, & E. Insfran (Eds.), Making ISD Sustainable: Reloaded with AI and Automation (ISD2026 Proceedings). Prague, Czech Republic: Czech Technical University in Prague. ISBN: 978-80-01-07585-2. https://doi.org/10.62036/ISD.2026.193