Today's devices are more interconnected than ever before. We now live in a world focused on Internet of Things (IoT) devices, from smartphones and video doorbells to Wi-Fi thermostats and many other connected devices, offering endless possibilities.
Issues over intellectual property, data privacy, consumer protection, and even product liability should be at the forefront of any human resource professional's mind when it comes to the use of these devices.
Enter the Master of Legal Studies (M.L.S.) degree program, which can prepare HR professionals and cybersecurity professionals for common IoT ethics challenges and legal issues as these devices continue to be used for a wide range of applications.
Understanding the Internet of Things (IoT)
What is IoT, anyway? In simplest terms, IoT refers to the connection (via the internet) of many different devices, including everyday devices that can exchange data not just with other devices, but with a centralized server ("the cloud"). The use of IoT devices has expanded rapidly in recent years, especially as the applications and potential of these devices have spread across various industries.
In a "State of IoT" report in 2024, it was estimated that the number of connected IoT devices will grow 13 percent by the end of 2024 alone.
Key Components and How IoT Works
While no two IoT devices are exactly alike, these devices generally work in a similar way. The primary components of IoT include:
- Connectivity - This refers to the specific method an IoT device uses to exchange data, whether it be via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or some other means of connection.
- Data processing - This refers to how information collected by the device is processed and analyzed to obtain valuable insights.
- Sensors - Most IoT devices have one or more sensors built in to detect changes and report them in some way. A smart thermostat, for example, may use a sensor to detect the temperature in a room. When the temperature falls above the desired temperature in the room, this signal is sent to the data processing unit, which tells the HVAC system to kick on the air conditioning.
- User interfaces - This refers to the part of the IoT device that interacts with the end-user. Usually, this manifests in the form of an app that allows the user to manipulate and monitor the device as desired.
Using these interactive components, IoT devices can collect, transmit, and analyze data to achieve any number of outcomes. In some cases, IoT devices may be used to enable automation and improve efficiency within an organization. In other instances, the end goal may be to gain data-driven insights that improve decision-making.
Four Current Legal Issues Surrounding IoT
As IoT devices are becoming more widely adopted not just by individuals but by organizations across the globe, some notable legal concerns surrounding intellectual property, consumer protection and liability, product liability, and data ownership/privacy have also surfaced.
Intellectual Property Challenges
There are many complexities surrounding IoT devices and intellectual property rights, particularly as they pertain to issues of patent infringement, copyright issues, and even trade secret protections. Because IoT devices are so interconnected, this also means that one device might utilize designs, software, sensors, and more from a number of different intellectual property holders. As these technologies overlap, tracing back original ownership of intellectual property becomes increasingly challenging.
Consumer Protection and Liability Issues
Another potential legal concern with IoT devices is related to consumer protection and liability. This is especially true when you consider the potential for IoT devices to be compromised by cyberattacks, as these data breaches could result in consumer privacy and sensitive data being compromised. Also, with few formal standards or regulations surrounding consumer protection with IoT devices, assigning liability in cases of harm or damage caused by IoT devices can be extremely challenging,
Product Liability
As with many other aspects of IoT devices, product liability as a legal issue is also rather complex. That is because product liability for a single IoT device can cover any number of components, ranging from potential software defects and contract considerations to defects that cause property damage or even physical injury to a user.
Things are even more complicated when you consider that many IoT devices are designed, manufactured, and operated by multiple different companies/parties, all of which can lead to legal challenges when product liability complaints arise.
Data Ownership and Privacy
Last but not least, there is also the complicated issue of data ownership and privacy in the ever-changing IoT landscape. These devices collect, transmit, store, and exchange vast amounts of personal and sensitive data. With this in mind, data protection regulations (such as the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation) are needed to set up specific protections for users, just as increased transparency and user consent is becoming imperative in data collection and usage practices.
IoT Impact on Various Careers
The rise of IoT is influencing different professions, creating both opportunities and challenges for professionals across a range of industries.
Implications for Human Resource Professionals
For human resource (HR) professionals specifically, the widespread adoption of IoT devices is impacting many HR practices. Today, IoT devices can be used in recruitment, onboarding, performance management, employee engagement, and beyond as a means of maximizing efficiency and cutting costs.
More than ever, though, there is a need for HR professionals to understand how to adapt these new technologies in the workplace while applying important skills in data analytics and privacy management.
Cybersecurity Professionals
As concerns surrounding the security of IoT devices (and thus the data they collect and transmit) grow, so does the need for experienced cybersecurity professionals who have specific knowledge and training on these devices. Specifically, cybersecurity professionals will face the challenges that come along with trying to secure a vast network of interconnected devices while developing robust security measures to protect against cyberattacks and data breaches.
The Role of Master of Legal Studies (M.L.S.) in Navigating IoT Legalities
Fortunately, those who want to improve their understanding of IoT devices and navigate the legal and ethical nuances that come with them can do so in a Master of Legal Studies degree program. Specifically, the University of Miami School of Law offers an M.L.S. degree program that focuses on relevant topics like technology law, data privacy, and cybersecurity to effectively equip graduates to address these issues in their own work.
Understanding IoT Legal Framework
First, an M.L.S. program can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the existing legal and regulatory frameworks governing IoT as we know it today. This can enable graduates to more confidently advise clients on strategies and best practices related to compliance and risk mitigation.
Identifying Potential Legal Issues and Risks in IoT
Meanwhile, an M.L.S. program can equip students with the robust analytical skills needed to proactively identify and assess potential risks and legal issues as they arise with IoT implementation and use. This can make it easier for working professionals to mitigate potential risks and other problems for clients.
Staying Updated on Evolving Laws and Regulations Related to IoT
Because the landscape of IoT is extremely dynamic, it is constantly changing and evolving. However, the right M.L.S. program will emphasize the importance of continuous learning in this field and foster a mindset of lifelong learning for graduates. Likewise, an M.L.S. program provides professionals with resources for staying on top of legal and regulatory developments as they occur.
Navigating Data Privacy and Security Concerns in IoT
Data privacy and cybersecurity are ongoing concerns that come along with the widespread adoption of IoT devices. M.L.S. graduates can enjoy the in-depth understanding of relevant data privacy laws, as well as the extensive security measures that can be taken to protect the sensitive data often collected by IoT devices. From there, professionals can navigate even the most complex of privacy and security concerns with confidence.
IoT Legal Issues: Policies and Potential Strategies
If your organization is looking to implement IoT devices for any reason, there are some practical strategies and best practices you can follow to enhance data security and privacy in the IoT ecosystem. This includes taking a multi-layered approach to integration that combines technical, legal, and ethical considerations at every step of the process.
Enhancing Data Security and Privacy
First, consider security measures that can be easily implemented to minimize the amount of data collected while ensuring that it remains as anonymous as possible. Some specific strategies to consider here include:
- Data encryption
- Multi-factor authentication
- Regular software/security updates
Developing Ethical Guidelines and Policies
Organizations using IoT must also put in the time and effort to develop their own in-depth ethical guidelines and policies surrounding IoT security, informed consent, data ownership, and transparency. This is especially true as it relates to policies for how data will be collected and used.
Future Legal Trends in IoT
As the legal landscape surrounding IoT continues to evolve, it is also important to look at future trends and the potential for regulatory changes that may be on the horizon.
Emerging Laws and Regulations Impacting IoT
As IoT devices continue to collect and utilize more data than ever, there will ultimately become a need for additional laws and regulations related to data privacy, cybersecurity, and product liability.
What Are the Most Common Legal Issues in IoT?
There are many legal issues that can arise when IoT devices are integrated at any level. Some of the most prevalent challenges in the IoT world are those related to data privacy (how is data collected and used?) and cybersecurity (how is that data being protected from unauthorized access?). Other concerns, such as those related to product liability and intellectual property, are also valid.
Interested in Completing an M.L.S. Program?
The general public's understanding of IoT legal issues is still in its infancy, but those working in human resources and cybersecurity need to be aware of some of the common IoT legal issues policy and practical strategies they can take to protect their organization’s and their users' data.
If you are looking to improve your understanding of how IoT will affect legal issues while navigating these nuances as a human resources professional, then it may be time to explore the University of Miami School of Law's online Master of Legal Studies program. This program, which is offered in both cybersecurity and human resources tracks, is specifically designed for working professionals in law-adjacent careers. Learn more about our online M.L.S. curriculum or start your online application today.
Sources
https://admissions.law.miami.edu/academics/mls/
https://admissions.law.miami.edu/academics/mls/curriculum/
https://iot-analytics.com/number-connected-iot-devices/
