How Internet of Things Devices Impact Your Privacy – Even When They’re Not Yours
When it comes to the Internet of Things (IoT), privacy isn’t just a personal matter—it has ripple effects that can affect many people, especially in today’s interconnected world. Whether you’re aware of it or not, these devices are constantly collecting data that could compromise your privacy. The implications are profound, raising crucial questions about who has access to your information and how it might be used.
What is the Internet of Things?
The Internet of Things encompasses devices and objects that automatically send and receive data over the internet. Unlike intentional actions like sending a message on social media, these devices often operate in the background, making it easy to overlook just how much personal information is being shared. This automatic data collection can reveal much not just about users, but also about anyone nearby.
The Growing Landscape of Connected Devices
As an assistant professor of law at the University of South Carolina, I have seen firsthand the explosion of IoT devices hitting the market. With each new gadget, our data collection capabilities expand, often without our consent or awareness.
Read more about how these tools can collect and store your data and what you should know about your privacy here.
How Device Data Compromises Privacy
Connected devices generate an enormous amount of data in ways that were previously unimaginable. For example, consider how heart-rate monitors or smartwatches collect metrics traditionally reserved for healthcare environments.
The Shift in Data Ownership
Historically, if you wanted to monitor your vitals, it involved visits to a healthcare provider. Now, devices can continuously collect this data in everyday settings, raising concerns about privacy and security. In health contexts, regulations ensure that data is secure, but many consumer devices operate outside these strict regulations, making them vulnerable to cyber threats.
Currently, the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark program seeks to establish cybersecurity standards for IoT devices—however, participation remains voluntary. In certain states like Washington, specific laws apply to health data, but these laws don’t extend universally. As a result, vast amounts of data from everyday devices remain vulnerable, leaving users exposed to hackers.
The Dangers of Unintentional Data Sharing
A troubling aspect of IoT devices is how they might compromise the privacy of others nearby.
The Case of Connected Cars
Imagine the data collected by a vehicle fitted with IoT capabilities. The 2023 Chevy Suburban involved in the Alex Murdaugh case tracked its speed, direction, and even user interactions. As cars become more connected, the information they collect also includes GPS data and connections to other devices, thereby enabling the tracking of individuals who might not even be driving the vehicle.
If you and I are on the same street, my connected car could be logging data about you. In effect, IoT devices don’t just collect personal information about users; they can also gather and share insights about those around them.
Spillover Effects of Data Collection
IoT devices don’t operate in isolation. Data collected from one device can provide insights into other individuals, leading to unintended privacy violations. For example:
- Smart Meters: These devices can reveal water usage data about entire neighborhoods, establishing behavioral norms even without collecting data from every household.
- Wearable Devices: Data from fitness trackers like the Oura Ring could impact insurance decisions about you, even if you don’t own one yourself.
Environmental Sensors
Moreover, IoT devices are now designed to capture data not just on their users, but also on the surrounding environment. This omnipresent monitoring raises additional privacy concerns, particularly as laws often lag behind technology’s rapid advancement.
The Road Ahead: Understanding and Protecting Privacy
The integration of IoT devices into our lives is not a trend—it’s the future. The Murdaugh trial serves as a stark reminder of just how critical data privacy is today and how intertwined our personal lives have become with these technologies. Prosecutors skillfully used various data points—from cellphone logs to vehicle telemetry—to weave a comprehensive narrative.
What Can Be Done?
If data privacy matters to you, it’s essential to advocate for more robust regulations. Communities impacted by connected devices should have a say in what data is collected and how it is used.
Conclusion
As we navigate this evolving landscape, remaining vigilant and informed is crucial. The very devices designed to simplify our lives may sometimes undermine our privacy, urging us to reconsider how we engage with technology and demand better protections for our personal information.
This article is part of a broader series on data privacy, exploring the intricate web of data collection, usage, and your rights in the digital age. For a deeper understanding, check out additional resources here.
