Antitrust Law Daily Wrap Up, PRIVACY NEWS: Senators seek national strategy on “Internet of Things”, (Mar 5, 2015)

By Jody Coultas, J.D.

Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), and Brian Schatz (D-Haw.) have called for a national strategy for the “Internet of Things” to promote economic growth and “consumer empowerment.”

The resolution states that the United States should “develop a national strategy to incentivize the development of the Internet of Things in a way that maximizes the promise connected technologies hold to empower consumers, foster future economic growth, and improve our collective social well-being.”

Also, the United States should “prioritize accelerating the development and deployment of the Internet of Things in a way that recognizes its benefits, allows for future innovation, and responsibly protects against misuse,” according to the resolution. The United States also should “recognize the importance of consensus-based best practices and communication among stakeholders, with the understanding that businesses can play an important role in the future development of the Internet of Things,” it adds.

Further, the resolution says the U.S. government should “commit itself to using the Internet of Things to improve its efficiency and effectiveness and cut waste, fraud, and abuse wherever possible.” Finally, it said that, using the Internet of Things, innovators in the United States should “commit to improving the quality of life for future generations by developing safe, new technologies aimed at tackling the most challenging societal issues facing the world.”

Senator Booker said the resolution “underscores our strong commitment to fostering innovation, protecting consumers, and finding solutions to our toughest problems through technology-driven solutions.” Senator Fischer added that the resolution would “commit our nation to a national strategy incentivizing the use of new technologies to maximize consumer opportunity and to facilitate economic growth. This forward-thinking initiative would call for a modern framework that encourages innovators. By doing so, we can usher in new ideas and solve problems in the years to come.” Senator Schatz noted that “with more and more devices connecting to the Internet every day, the United States has a unique opportunity to continue leading this technological revolution.”

The Internet of Things hearing was initiated by an October 2014 letter authored by Senators Fischer, Ayotte, Booker and Schatz, requesting a hearing to address the changing landscape of new connected technologies.

News: Privacy ConsumerProtection