Internet of Things Data – Who Owns It?

As you are aware that the internet of things is a computing concept. It describes the idea of everyday physical objects being connected to the internet and being able to identify themselves to other devices. Now, internet of things is gathering the data at a frantic pace and nobody is sure of its magnitude, how it will be used and where? Will it affect our privacy, security and confidentiality?
Facebook has spent so much money to takeover WhatsApp. This app contains the personal and confidential thoughts of millions of users. Facebook wants to customize these thoughts and sell its own products.
National Security of America is trying to gather the internet data to know more about the terrorist activities and prevent it.
Are we sure about its use or misuse? A very small portion of this easily available huge data can be taken as objectionable and actionable data. This can lead to a meaningful change but still, there is a doubt of wrong use with the data.
An example can be given of hospitals and their doctors, who receive the huge amount of data on different types of illnesses from different connected devices. The hospitals may use these data for treating patients. The patient cannot make any claim over the treatment he has received. The doctors can use these data to publish in medical journals. The question here is, who owns this data.
This creates a great confusion as the privacy and security of a lay man is being compromised. There is no legal guarantee.
Also read: IoT: A Bliss Or Misery?

Conclusion:

It is an accepted fact that the data is generated by the internet of things devices, but the prevention of data misuse is not possible. However, the data is not intentionally misused, at least always. Big corporations, hospitals and various governments are still trying to make a balance of using personal data without compromising on privacy and security. This data from the devices can bring a lot of benefits.

• All governments must provide a regulatory framework for handling big data. It should specify the acceptable form of customer data use; otherwise specified legal action can be taken in the event of violation. This will help in removing confusion.

• Various corporations and its staff must take the responsibility for preserving consumer data.
• Companies must specify the types of data they are collecting from their consumers.
• Data collection policies must clearly be written in an understandable language that is easily understood by consumers. Google and Facebook have already faced severe flak in the past for vague language use.

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