Privacy and Security Issues in Assistive Technologies for Dementia

Abstract

The collection of a large volume and variety of physiological and behavioral data is critical for the effective development, deployment, and implementation of intelligent assistive technologies (IATs) and for the subsequent effective support of older adults with dementia. Yet it raises privacy and security issues. This chapter reviews the major privacy and security implications associated with the use of three major families of IATs for dementia: ambient assisted living systems, wearable devices, and service robotics, especially telepresence robots. After exploring a number of both category-specific and cross-categorical ethical and legal implications, the chapter proposes a list of policy recommendations with the purpose of maximizing the uptake of IATs while minimizing possible adverse effects on the privacy and security of end-users.