FTC Seeks Input on Privacy and Security Risks of Smart Consumer Devices | Practical Law

FTC Seeks Input on Privacy and Security Risks of Smart Consumer Devices | Practical Law

In advance of a public workshop, the FTC is seeking public comments on consumer privacy and security issues posed by the growing connectivity of consumer devices, like cars, appliances, and medical devices.

FTC Seeks Input on Privacy and Security Risks of Smart Consumer Devices

Practical Law Legal Update 3-525-8644 (Approx. 3 pages)

FTC Seeks Input on Privacy and Security Risks of Smart Consumer Devices

by PLC Intellectual Property & Technology
Published on 18 Apr 2013 • USA (National/Federal)
In advance of a public workshop, the FTC is seeking public comments on consumer privacy and security issues posed by the growing connectivity of consumer devices, like cars, appliances, and medical devices.
On April 17, 2013, the FTC issued a press release announcing that it is seeking public input on the consumer privacy and security risks posed by the growing connectivity of everyday consumer devices, like cars, appliances and medical devices. The FTC has scheduled a public workshop on the issue for November 21, 2013, and seeks input in advance of that workshop.
Everyday consumer devices are increasingly able to communicate with people and other devices, and transmit and compile data. The connectivity and data collection and sharing among these devices (smart devices) can provide important benefits. However, they also pose privacy and security risks. The FTC staff is seeking input on these developments and the risks they pose. The FTC specifically seeks input on information on:
  • The technologies that enable this connectivity (smart technology).
  • How consumers benefit from smart technology.
  • Current and future uses of smart technology, including developments in the products and services that use this connectivity, their prevalence and commenters' predictions.
  • The unique privacy and security concerns that smart technology raises and steps that can be taken to address certain of these risks (for example, the risk of devices becoming targets of or vectors for malware or adware).
  • How smart technology's risks should be weighed against its potential societal benefits including, for example, whether de-identified data from smart devices can and should be used for certain purposes and, if so, under what circumstances.
The FTC is accepting submissions through June 1, 2013. The FTC's website provides information on how to submit input.