| |||||||||
| |||||||||
Current Filter: Network>>>>>Opinion> Navigating the law of things Editorial Type: Opinion Date: 09-2015 Views: 2552 Key Topics: Networking Security The Intenet of Things (IoT) Key Companies: Kemp Little Key Products: Key Industries: | |||
| Ruth Arkley, Associate, and Nicola Fulford Head of Data Protection and Privacy at Kemp Little consider the law in an IoT context According to Gartner there will be nearly 26 billion devices connected on the Internet of Things by 2020. As a result of this increased connectivity, businesses will be able to collect vastly more data and gain deeper insight into users' lives as they move between devices. Navigating the law when it comes to the Internet of Things (IoT) in its own specific context is going to be challenging for many, if not all, businesses. This cannot be ignored, but simply making a start is challenging. Here are four things that will help businesses wanting to take the first step.
DATA PROTECTION AND PRIVACY IoT devices are inside our homes, on our bodies and carried by us, so the data being collected can be highly personal and sensitive. By law, businesses that collect and use personal data must tell individuals what they're doing with it, and this is normally achieved through a privacy policy. However, existing privacy policies may not be appropriate for IoT or keep the data secure. Where would you place a privacy policy on a smart kettle? Aside from fines for non-compliance with data protection laws, which are due to dramatically increase under current proposals, negative publicity and damage to customer trust are also likely consequences of misuse of personal data and compromising customer privacy.
MONETISING DATA This commercialisation of data can only be done with the knowledge and consent of the individuals whose data is being sold. Given the earlier points about privacy policies, it is not easy for IoT businesses to provide users with the required information about how their data may be used. So if collaborations are envisaged that would involve sharing personal data, businesses must ensure that they have informed their customers and if appropriate, obtained their clear consent.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY (IP)
LIABILITY AND COMMERCIAL CONTRACTS Many IoT businesses are so focused on speed-to-market that they do not always consider the legal implications of their own business model. However this approach could also bring speedy litigation and limit the commercial potential or even future of the business. NC | ||
Like this article? Click here to get the Newsletter and Magazine Free! | |||
Email The Editor! OR Forward Article | Go Top | ||
PREVIOUS | NEXT |