Internet of things: Privacy issues revisited

doi:10.1016/j.clsr.2015.07.002

Computer Law & Security Review

Volume 31, Issue 5, October 2015, Pages 618-627

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clsr.2015.07.002 Get rights and content

Abstract

The Internet of Things presents unique challenges to the protection of individual privacy. This article highlights the growing need for appropriate regulatory as well as technical action in order to bridge the gap between the automated surveillance by IoT devices and the rights of individuals who are often unaware of the potential privacy risk to which they are exposed. As a result, new legal approaches for the protection of privacy need to be developed.

Section snippets

Technological background

The Internet of Things (IoT) as an emerging global Internet-based information architecture that facilitates the exchange of goods and services is gradually gaining importance. The ITU defined the IoT as the development of item identifications, sensor technologies and the ability to interact with the environment.¹ In the meantime, the definition has been widened and it

Devices and software requirements

Cellular devices provide an access point and gateway for other lower technologies such as simple sensors to communicate their data to a network. Currently microchips are becoming cheaper to produce since IoT sensor prices are dropping below 50 cents per unit. The smaller devices such as RFID will be a main driver of growth in this area over the next decade.¹²

Challenges for privacy regulations in the IoT

Based on the acknowledgment that the technological developments in relation to the IoT lead to substantial privacy risks and that the legal stability, founded on an appropriate regulatory agenda, must be increased, the interim conclusion has been drawn that an improvement of the data security environment is unavoidable. As mentioned, privacy enhancing technologies and privacy by design measures can be applied in order to increase the level of confidentiality and anonymity. Nevertheless, the

Outlook

The main challenge for privacy in the context of IoT remains the management of the vast amount of data collected. Necessary technologies that ensure secure communication and storage of this data are currently being designed and implemented. However, the actual use and possible privacy implications of the IoT data remain largely unaddressed. In order to maintain a minimum level of privacy, industry standards must be created which limit the use and collection of data relating to sensible

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: Chair Professor for International Business Law at the University of Zurich, Visiting Professor at Hong Kong University, Attorney-at-Law in Zurich.

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