Internet of things and smart devices
“We know that consumers want to enjoy the benefits of smart devices but that they also value their privacy in an increasingly connected world. They shouldn’t have to choose between the two.”
John Edwards, Information Commissioner.
What would you guess was the first ‘smart’ device? A phone, a watch or a TV? It was a vending machine in the United States in 1982 that sent back information about how much stock was left. Things have moved on significantly since then.
Smart devices are connected online or to other devices, usually via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. You can now see how much charge your electric car has on your phone, as you talk to your delivery driver through a connected doorbell, while you remotely set the heating in your house.
In 2021, there were more than 10 billion active smart devices. By 2025, there will be 152,200 devices connecting to the internet every sixty seconds.
Most of these devices will be sharing personal information, and it’s important that organisations are thinking about the data protection implications of emerging technologies before they are widely used.
The Information Commissioner’s Office works closely with organisations trying new innovations by offering advice and guidance. It is also researching smart tech to identify any privacy-unfriendly practices.