Antitrust Law Daily Wrap Up, PRIVACY NEWS: FTC to Hold Workshop on Privacy and Security Implications of Consumer Device Connectivity, (Apr 17, 2013)
By Tobias J. Gillett, J.D., LL.M.
The FTC will hold a public workshop on the privacy and security implications of the growing connectivity of consumer devices on November 21, 2013, in Washington, D.C., the agency has announced. The Commission seeks public comment in advance of the workshop.
Consumer devices increasingly have the ability to communicate with each other and with people, a development sometimes referred to as "The Internet of Things." The connected devices can communicate with consumers, transmit data to companies, and compile information for third parties, such as health care providers, researchers, and other consumers. Although the devices can improve efficiency and grant consumers greater control over their home or work environment, they also pose significant privacy and security risks.
The FTC seeks comment on the questions raised by these developments, including:
What are the significant developments in services and products that make use of this connectivity (including prevalence and predictions)?
What are the various technologies that enable this connectivity (e.g., RFID, barcodes, wired and wireless connections)?
What types of companies make up the smart ecosystem?
What are the current and future uses of smart technology?
How can consumers benefit from the technology?
What are the unique privacy and security concerns associated with smart technology and its data? For example, how can companies implement security patching for smart devices?
What steps can be taken to prevent smart devices from becoming targets of or vectors for malware or adware?
How should privacy risks be weighed against potential societal benefits, such as the ability to generate better data to improve health-care decision making or to promote energy efficiency?
Can and should de-identified data from smart devices be used for these purposes? If so, under what circumstances?
The FTC will accept comments through June 1, 2103 by e-mail at iot@ftc.gov or by mail at 600 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W., Room H-113 (Annex B), Washington, D.C. 20580.
News: Privacy ConsumerProtection FederalTradeCommissionNews