As the adoption of IoT devices continues, the need for regulations, especially associated with consumer connected devices, are becoming more apparent. A recent statement from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) noted potential safety issues associated with Internet-connected consumer products, and the Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Consumer Protection (BCP) warned that poorly secured Internet of Things (IoT) devices could pose a consumer safety hazard and outlined ways to mitigate such risks.
Some of the items stated included:
- Outline of the FTC’s education and enforcement work related to device and information security
- FTC guidance to IoT manufacturers on how to predict and mitigate against privacy and security risks.
- Recommendations on how companies might provide consumers with the opportunity to sign up for communications about safety notifications and recalls for IoT devices.
- Recommendation on considering the requirement of manufacturers to publicly set forth the standards to which they adhere. Such disclosures would improve transparency to consumers, as well as allow the FTC to exercise its authority under the FTC Act against companies that misrepresent their security practices in their certifications.
This is an area to continually watch as further regulations are developed to manage security challenges associated with the Internet of Things.
