A buzz word around us for quite some time now is Internet of Things (IOT). To Simply define it:
“The internet of things (IoT) is the network of physical devices, v… (Wikipedia)
It simply means for me all devices that are connected to internet forms part of global network, producing data, that can be utilize for the betterment of services or customer experience or the way one can use it, some examples
- Send real time alert, Smart wear to your doctor or from a machine nearing permissible temperature for over heating
- Real time diagnostic like heart rate, pulse, Temp or SO2 Levels.
- Security breach detection Etc.
How this is done is not what I am focusing around, once it is implemented and if it’s done with integration of all your devices / networks which work as entry point e.g. your mobile, GPS you use etc.
What will be level of privacy remains in a complete IoT world?
All devices are in connection and all are talking to each other with some kind of BIG data tool and Analytics working together. What will happen?
Some scenario
- You are running out of fresh milk in your fridge and now smart fridge will send an order to your grosser for replenishment of the same.
- You have a Smart watch or a fitness device which help your Coach to monitor your activity and hear rate and other vitals, helping him or her to identify the best fit regime for you.
All above are good but let’s go little forward and think a real life scenario that can happen,
You went to your favorite food joint and at point of sale you provided and identifiable information specific to you what will happen if everything is connected in true IOT scenario, Person on the sales counter will have lots of information and POS machine will not take your order if you have any disease and your doctor have said no without giving any details only a small bit information,
E.G. I want fries, Person at POS will say “Sorry Sir can’t, as your doctor has instructed that no high salt/ deep fried items for you, so please pick other item from menu” and then again you go for selecting other things.
Now imagine how much your privacy is at risk, for a total stranger knowing about your health.
Another Scenario of some card company calling you saying you are using at X POS service use of Y gives more incentive for shopping.
Do I really want world to know about it, may be not directly but through different ways.This is just one/two example however there can be many other one can think off.
Questions remains is IoT good and i will say definitely it is as per my view its adaptability will give far more benefits than risk caused.
However level of integration will tell how much personal the use can be called invasion of privacy and how much is actually required.
Note till the time I was writing this post there was no Single protocol that connect different devices and make it part of Global or Actual Term IOT, which I know of; hence integration can take long time.
