Do Smart Devices Need Regulation? FTC Examines Internet Of Things

Do Smart Devices Need Regulation? FTC Examines Internet Of Things: The Federal Trade Commission recently hosted a public workshop examining the emerging role of connected technology — think smart refrigerators and fitness wristbands — and the ramifications for user privacy and data security. The workshop comes on the heels of the FTC’s 20-year consent order handed down to TRENDnet over the company’s “secure” webcams which, it turned out, were routinely hacked due to faulty software. So it appears the FTC is taking a serious look at what kind of regulatory steps or oversight are necessary for personal and home devices that collect unique user data and transmit it over the Internet.