As part of its Digital Agenda the European Commission has begun a consultation process on rules regarding wireless connected devices and the internet of things. In a press release issued in mid April, the Commission said it wanted to know what framework is needed to unlock the economic and societal benefits of the internet of things, whilst ensuring an adequate level of control of devices gathering, processing and storing information.
According to the commission the average citizen owns at least two objects connected to the internet, and that figure is expected to reach 7 by 2015. By 2020 the global number of wirelessly connected devices is anticipated to have doubled to 50 billion.
Neelie Kroes, European Commission vice-president for the Digital Agenda, said: "An internet of things with intelligence embedded into everyday objects is the next big thing. I want to promote an internet of things that serves our economic and societal goals, whilst preserving security, privacy and the respect of ethical values."
Through the consultation, the Commission is seeking views on privacy, safety and security, security of critical IoT supported infrastructure, ethics, interoperability, governance and standards. The results of the consultation will feed into the Commission's Recommendation on the IoT, which will be presented by summer 2013.
To participate in the consultation process follow the link below.