Four global and European consumer organisations today launched their principles recommendations to make consumer rights, privacy and security core features of the Internet of Things. Consumers International, BEUC, ANEC and ICRT recognise the benefits of IoT applications but urge developers, manufacturers, policy-makers and regulators to deal with numerous challenges and risks.
According to estimates there will be 75 billion connected devices in 2025. Connected devices have huge potential, for instance by making services more convenient, fixing products remotely and putting more responsive products on the market. However, they also carry risks such as 24/7 surveillance of citizens, complex liability questions when a self-driving car causes an accident and risks of remote control (electricity cut-off from a distance).
The full principles can be found here.