IoT: Imminent ownership Threat

Abstract

Internet of things (IoT) is the current trend to connect all types of devices to the internet with the purpose of making remote control of these devices possible from anywhere. This allows for convenience, efficiency and the benefit of collecting data from these devices. However, as has been pointed out, there is an imminent threat to privacy, security and personal control including the threat to real ownership. Concerns ought to be raised, not only with respect to matters of privacy and security of personal information, but also in light of the trend whereby devices and appliances, including software, are not owned but rented with the real owner making changes at their convenience; the rental being a constant cost.