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 →
