The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to an ecosystem in which applications and services are driven by data collected from devices that sense and interface with the physical world. This can interfere with your privacy.
Devices using the IoT include everyday things like smart wearables or devices in your home. These devices usually exchange data to help with their functionality. For example, a digital thermostat may learn your preferred temperature settings at different times of the day and adjust the temperature automatically by communicating with other devices in your home. These devices use technology to make your daily tasks more convenient. The various devices on the IoT can be equipped with various sensors, software, and other technology that can collect and process data. The IoT also includes smart appliances like refrigerators that keep track of your food inventory, or smart speakers that play music throughout your home and with you can interact.
example Modern home security systems can interact with many devices around the house, like motion, door and window sensors, speakers and video monitoring devices to keep your house safe, and you informed.
The devices on the IoT can be connected into much bigger systems like smart buildings where the inside climate (temperature, humidity and oxygen levels) is regulated by a mostly autonomous system, including heating, cooling and ventilation devices throughout the building. This can be expanded into even bigger systems like traffic or lighting management around the city. Then the principles of surveillance technology will apply.
Usually, these devices will be developed by privately owned businesses and collect the data based on your consent.
While at a first glance, the data collected may seem minimal, when accumulated it becomes easy to monitor your actions and recognise patterns in your life. For example, it shows when you are not at home, what you watch on TV, how often you shop for essentials or even what routes you usually take when travelling somewhere.
Often devices lack clear disclosure about what data is being collected, how it is being used, and with whom it is being shared. Users also have limited control over their data with few options to opt out of data collection and processing, as this frequently makes the device’s functionality limited or impossible.
example While using a voice-controlled smart speaker, it is unlikely that you will be able to disable voice recording. However, a good solution is if devices have microphone mute buttons that disable the microphone completely when you do not want to use it.
As these devices are sometimes used by many people, but only one account is being used, the other people using the device have probably never actually consented to the collection and processing of their data.
Developers of IoT devices must respect your right to private life and follow the principles of lawful and appropriate data processing.