The world we live in is entirely interconnected. It is no longer feasible to live without the immediate connection to everyone around us. The internet of things or the IoT is the catalyst of this new style of living. The internet of things describes the constant expansion and advancement of the internet into every possible facet of our lives. Expansion from something that we access through a laptop or a cellphone to something that is connected to every device or tool we have in our lives. A constant connection to the internet for convenience and efficiency. This includes refrigerators, televisions, cars and boats, kitchen equipment, and many more household appliances. However, though this constant connection is undoubtedly making a difference in the way we live our lives it does come with some issues. There is one glaring issue with the IoT, the surveillance issue. This is an accumulation of multiple issues, however, they all come back to surveillance. Throughout this research paper I would like to outline these issues and offer some possible recommendations or resolutions. This will include an examination of the issues with sources and hypotheses. As well as my thoughts on the issue and some possible resolutions to dampen some of the negative impacts of these issues.
The issue of surveillance is how ingrained it is within the IoT. For the internet of things to be so advanced and reactive it is necessary to be constantly listening and collecting data regarding every facet of our lives. It reacts to the temperature outside, it reacts to your stress levels, it reacts to fitness goals and eating habits. The internet of things collects data on every part of your life, the issue is who it shares this information with and for what purpose. This raises ethical concerns about who is in control of the machinery collecting the data and who oversees protecting this information from malicious intent. Another concern is where the line is drawn for government interference regarding surveillance of the general public. The government is constantly doing everything it can to protect its people and secure its interests. This would undoubtedly include surveying the general public as stated by James Clapper, who was the director of national intelligence at the time of this statement said that “intelligence services might use the IoT for identification, surveillance, monitoring, location tracking, and targeting for recruitment, or to gain access to networks or user credentials.” As well as stating that the IoT has “surveillance potential” Karsten, J. (2016). This coming from the director of national intelligence is very telling regarding the government’s willingness to collect data on the general public if it will aid in protecting their interests. This information was sited from one of two articles that were provided for this topic, these articles were very comprehensive in their overviews of the IoT and some of its issues as well as some possible recommendations for solving these issues. One of the main solutions provided by these articles is regarding the selling of personal information to buyers for any purpose. In Wearables: the well-dressed privacy policy, Singer and Perry go over a privacy policy regarding this issue. This outlines the best practices for navigating these privacy issues with the internet of things implementation over the coming years. This solution set proposes restricting companies to only collect and store necessary data and clearly defining what is and isn’t necessary for optimization. Companies must also clearly state what data is being collected and what data is being shared with other companies. This policy also states that these companies will be held accountable for falsehoods or deception by the US judicial system. Singer and Perry (2015). These practices as well as being constantly aware of what information you are allowing to be shared are the best way to protect yourself from constant surveillance.
The internet of things is on its way. The advancement and expansion of the internet is unavoidable and an exciting thing with many good things to offer. There are issues with the internet of things, however they shouldn’t stop us from advancing. The IoT requires constant gathering and sharing of personal information to function. Because of this we need to prepare for companies and organizations to misuse this information for their own benefit. We can prepare by understanding what information is being collected and what information is being shared. Also knowing what is legal how these companies are required to operate when it comes to user data and data sharing. These things will protect your privacy in these constantly advancing times.
References
Karsten, J. (2016, July 29). Alternative perspectives on the Internet of things. Brookings. https://www.brookings.edu/articles/alternative-perspectives-on-the-internet-of-things/
Pollina, N. (2013, March 1). What is the Internet of things? [Video]. TED-Ed. https://ed.ted.com/on/VGdKwYzz#watch
Singer and Perry. (2015, July). Wearables: The well-dressed privacy policy. Gale – Institution Finder. https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=AONE&u=tamp44898&id=GALE%7CA420929651&v=2.1&it=r&sid=bookmark-AONE&asid=74b7983c
Andrew Kennedy 