The Internet of Things (IoT) offers a host of conveniences and automation to both business and consumers. But new privacy and compliance responsibilities are part of this package deal. Here’s how to make the most of it.
Smart thermostats, household security systems, baby monitors, and AI assistants, such as Alexa, have infiltrated consumer lives and homes, bringing new conveniences as well as a host of questions. If you are a consumer, maybe you wonder how much information about you is being collected and stored. Are they monitoring or collecting your data at all times? But if you are a company that offers these devices to consumers, your responsibilities may be more complex.
We are all familiar with the privacy disclosures we see when we download a new app to our mobile phones, and that’s probably the most well-recognized example of what corporations need to do to ensure they comply with regulations and also be up front with their customers about what to expect in terms of privacy and protections.
But privacy in an age of the Internet of Things (IoT) goes well beyond these disclosures on mobile phone apps, according to attorney Alysa Hutnik, a partner in the advertising and marketing, and privacy and information security practices at Kelley Drye & Warren LLP in Washington DC. Hutnik is also a speaker at Interop ITX on May 17 when she will address the topic IoT is Coming: Beware the Privacy & Legal Gotchas.
Hutnik told InformationWeek in an interview that beyond those “gotchas” there are plenty of benefits to doing things the right way.
