FTC Seeks Input on Privacy and Security Implications of the Internet of Things

The staff of the Federal Trade Commission is interested in the consumer privacy and security issues posed by the growing connectivity of consumer devices, such as cars, appliances, and medical devices, and invites comments on these issues in advance of a public workshop to be held on November 21, 2013 in Washington (DC).

FTC staff seeks input on the privacy and security implications of the following:

• 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 decisionmaking or to promote energy efficiency? Can and should de-identified data from smart devices be used for these purposes, and if so, under what circumstances?