The ‘Internet of Things’ Faces Practical and Ethical Challenges
Opening scene, Carnegie Mellon professor asking his IoT-connected device if he has time to get coffee: example of outsourcing of knowledge, our decision-making power to a machine, reminiscent of many of the ideas put forth by Nicolas Carr in The Shallows.
Carnegie Mellon received Google seed funding to work on Internet of Things (IoT) project putting tiny network-connected nodes in all sorts of items/devices across campus: cafes, offices (if opted in), public spaces, etc. IoTs have begun in other places like Songdo, South Korea where “street lamps adjust their brightness according to the number of pedestrians in the area”.
“Along with enthusiasm, the concept of the Internet of Things has drawn criticism from cybersecurity experts and others for the privacy concerns it raises.” And potentials to abuse such a network.
Uh, yeah
Article ran 10/23 – DoS attack on Dyn DNS provider was 10/21.
In terms of privacy, “for the most part, people have to take action to ensure their privacy.” First you would need to even be aware that info was being collected at all, which most people are not. And in other instances, you cannot opt out data collection unless your device is turned off.
Why does a college campus need this level of connectivity (AKA surveillance)? Why do we need to be able to outsource knowledge and decision making about where to park or whether or not we have enough time to get coffee? Do we really need a level of control over our lives to the point that we don’t want to spend an extra 5 minutes standing in line, potentially talking to a colleague or student? #guh
