Policymakers and regulators should focus on solutions that help unleash the full potential of the Internet of Things (IoT). SIIA agrees with the FTC that privacy and security are critical to unleashing the full potential of the ‘The Internet of Things.’  But, given the convergence of myriad technologies, devices and platforms that comprise the Internet of Things, it simply isn’t practical to apply a comprehensive policy framework.

The Internet of Things holds great promise as the enabler of Data-Driven Innovation, or the ability to capture, comingle, store, verify and analyze relevant data, and then integrate the results into established processes.  But to enable positive economic and societal outcomes, policymakers must avoid a one-size-fits all approach and work to encourage growth and innovation.

In June, SIIA submitted comments to the FTC, in which it outlined a series of IoT recommendations for the Commission and policymakers around the world.  These included:

• Promote technology neutrality and avoid technology mandates.
• The IoT requires a policy framework that provides for an evolving view of privacy rights based on risk and societal benefits.
• De-identification often provides an opportunity to balance the needs of data-driven innovation and privacy protection.
• Uniform rules cannot be applied broadly to the role of notice and choice.
• The principle of data minimization should be re-interpreted in light of the opportunities of Data-Driven Innovation.

David LeDuc is Senior Director, Public Policy at SIIA. He focuses on e-commerce, privacy, cyber security, cloud computing, open standards, e-government and information policy. Follow the SIIA public policy team on Twitter at @SIIAPolicy.