Internet of things

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a term commonly given to everyday objects connected to the internet. IoT technology is applied to objects as diverse as running shoes, buildings (or parts of them), cars, household white goods and drones.

There is no single accepted definition of the IoT. A suitable working definition for lawyers might be: 'the synthesis of various technologies that allow real-world things (known as objects) to wirelessly interact with each other and/or their environment’. The IoT raises legal concerns and poses legal challenges in a number of areas, including:

1. •

   competition law and technical standards

2. •

   issues of consent, data protection and privacy

3. •

   contract issues—IoT connectivity may mean that manufacturers of objects could have an on-going role in the repair and upgrading of said objects post-purchase, which is likely to necessitate a move from standard product warranties to a service-type contract model more like that currently used for software

4. •

   criminal law and security of infrastructure

5. •

   negligence and product liability

6. •

   public health issues

See Practice Note: Internet of Things (IoT)—key legal issues.