IoT scares the hell out of me. Cell phones have already laid waste our privacy, but IoT will be pervasive and on a completely different level. For now you can be reasonably safe in the assumption that if you talk privately with someone in person that no-one else will be listening. Not for long. Not once your clothing, car and every public space is connected to the internet. What to speak of embedded devices. It'll start with medical devices, but it certainly won't stop there. Google glass creeped people out, but that's just a minor shot across the bows. I don't think, as a society, we are ready for the ramifications. We desperately need modern legislation that's sensitive to rapidly changing technology to protect us. I guess people may have felt a similar way about e.g. electricity to the home, but we're rushing headlong into surveillance and control hell. So far data gathering is like finding a thread in an avalanche, but the tools are rapidly improving and we're handing over our information hand over fist for some minor conveniences.
Well, luckily there isn't anything forcing our hand to accept this future, unless you count the invisible hand. I mean, it seems somewhat simple: don't buy the product. I mean, how long is this bubble going to last?I don't think, as a society, we are ready for the ramifications.
For now it is relatively easy just not to buy the product. I have no idea why people buy super-expensive light bulbs that or thermostats that you can't control if the wifi goes down or the company behind them goes bust. Most "internet of things" gadgets right now are expensive rubbish. But data-mining corporations are not stupid and I expect these things will be pushed on us harder and harder until there is no alternative but to let them into your home. We accept the privacy compromises associated with smartphones because you can't buy a privacy-protecting phone; soon this may be the case with washing machines and toasters. I hope people laugh this stuff out of the market but... my colleague just spent $200 on 3 light bulbs that spy on him, and he can't see what's absurd about that.
notsureiftrolling.gif You seem capable of carrying on that conversation with yourself. I mean, it seems somewhat simple: don't buy the product.
Absolutely, there needs to be legislation. People listen in over the airwaves to a wide range of conversations and when a key word is mentioned they hear your entire chat. Even down to location privacy - not every website removes the Exif data on pictures your upload - thats why people get broken into when they post holiday pics online. Some things do not only prevent crime they create it! Its a huge black hole..... as who is going to decide if we know about certain data gathered on us or are kept in the dark. I have good technical knowledge and still I am unsure, let alone all those who do not understand the ramifications at all.