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Alexa, I’m Home! – The Risks & Regulation of the Internet of Things

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Written by, Nora Hanson, Chris Knight, Blake McCartney & Dale Rappaneau, Class of 2022

I. Introduction

There are a variety of definitions of the “Internet of Things” (“IoT”). IoT has been described as “the concept of . . . connecting any device with an on and off switch to the Internet” and/or to another device.[1] It may also be explained as “[t]he interconnection via the Internet of computing devices embedded in everyday objects, enabling them to send and receive data.”[2] The concept of IoT encompasses many types of devices, including home technologies, wearable devices, and technology used by countless industries such as farming, manufacturing, transportation, and oil and gas.

This paper focuses on IoT in the consumer’s home, a space ripe with privacy considerations. First, this paper considers IoT in the home and the corresponding privacy risks. Next, this piece explains the manner in which the United States currently regulates IoT. Finally, this paper considers how the United States will regulate IoT moving forward.

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Cyber Harassment: A Global Issue Within Evolving Technology

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Written by Roosevelt Bishop, Devon Draker, Shelbie Mora, and Gabrielle Schwartz as a final paper for the Fall 2021 session of Information Privacy Law

Introduction

Cyber harassment “involves threats of violence, privacy invasions, reputation-harming lies, calls for strangers to physically harm victims, and technological attacks.”[1] Though all of these elements fall under harassment or abuse, online harms can be divided into different mediums and subsections. The various types of cyber harassment “capture the different ways[s] the Internet exacerbates the injuries suffered . . . by extend[ing] the life of destructive posts.”[2] This paper addresses evolution and increased incidences of cyber-harassment such as revenge porn, cyberstalking, Zoom-bombing, and doxxing, and the need for a federal legal solution. Congress must address this harm by enacting a comprehensive cyber-harassment legislation containing the elements detailed below.

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The Internet of Things – A Brief Exploration of Emerging Technology and the Status of American Privacy Regulations Developing Around It

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 Written by Chris McGhee, Jason Meuse, Christa Vo, & Kelsey Kenny as a final paper for the Fall 2021 session of Information Privacy Law 

A. Introduction

The Internet of Things is a term that describes the network of sensors embedded in otherwise mundane consumer products which collect data and connect to the internet.1 The capabilities of this technology range from offering simple conveniences to consumers, such as a light that turns on or off at the sound of clapping, to life-saving services like real-time blood sugar monitoring and insulin administration for diabetics or instant notice to emergency responders when a car accident occurs.2 To function properly, these devices rely on constant data input and network connectivity to trigger a mechanical function, or to teach an algorithm how to tailor its functions more succinctly to suit the needs of the individual consumer.3 Whether we are aware of it or not, the use of connected devices in our day-to-day lives is growing increasingly common; several sources predict that the world will have approximately 64 billion Internet of Things, “IoT,” devices by 2025.4 The era of digital commerce has incentivized the rapid development of invasive hardware and data analytics tools because, in the world of IoT, aggregate data is incredibly valuable,5 and consumers are “data goldmine[s].”6 Continue reading →

Predicting Drug Diversion: The Use of Data Analytics in Prescription Drug Monitoring

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CATHLEEN LONDON, MD CIPP/US, Class of 2022

Equifax just completed the acquisition of Appriss Insights,[1] who is rebranding as Bamboo Health.[2] How much data sharing goes on between the entities? Just as Appriss’ NarxCare score[3] is a black box[4], never subjected to peer review or outside scrutiny[5], this reorganization seems designed to hide data sharing. Continue reading →