Internet of things: privacy and consumers

The Internet of Things (IoT) is the rapidly expanding network of devices, physical objects, services and applications that communicate over the internet. Connected devices number in the billions today, and they transmit data without device owners knowing when or how that happens. This is a big issue for consumers as identified in the latest Economist Intelligence Unit whitepaper, Privacy in the Internet of Things: What consumers want which includes comment and perspectives from Consumers International.

Consumers Federation of Australia (CFA) nominated Paul Loney as its representative on the new Standards Australia technical committee IT-042 Internet of things, to support Australian participation in the international ISO/IEC Joint Technical Committee which serves as the focus and proponent for a standardization programme on the Internet of Things and related technologies, including Sensor Networks and Wearables technologies. CFA nominates representatives to Standards Australia Technical Committees as part of the CFA Standards Project.

Consumers can influence standards by becoming a Consumers’ Federation of Australia representative on a Standards Australia Technical Committee, making public comment on draft standards and suggesting new standards.

If you are interested in finding out more about the Project and/or becoming a volunteer CFA Standards Representative please contact the Standards Coordinator at standards@consumeraction.org.au