Abstract

Introduction

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Abstract

Internet of Things or IoT is a rapidly growing network of interconnected ‘things’ embedded with sensors to collect and exchange data over the internet without the need for human intervention. As the applications of IoT continue to skyrocket, it introduces major security, ethical, privacy, and legal challenges that have a substantial impact on our lives. There is a need for a comprehensive overview covering all of these challenges. Therefore, this paper provides a clear overview of the security, ethical, and privacy challenges faced by the common users and examines the current and emerging IoT laws and standards enacted by governments across different countries to combat the vulnerabilities of IoT. Trust and the potential challenges of smart contracts have also been discussed. In addition, the multitude of use cases described in this paper provides an insight into how the threats and vulnerabilities of IoT influence our lives. This study emphasizes a need for globalized IoT laws and that the common user be made aware of the security, ethical, and privacy threats imposed by modern IoT devices. Lastly, this paper identifies the gaps and proposes certain recommendations to direct future researchers.

Introduction

It was in 1967 when Lawrence G. Roberts was appointed as program manager for the ARPANET project, the development of internetworking protocols began piecing together a single network known as the Internet- a shorthand for internetworking [1]. The 21st century has seen a massive advancement in technology, bringing the world closer through high-speed internet available on our computers and mobile devices. Let it be texting, calling, shopping, or just surfing the web, everything is within our grasp. We have adapted to this technology which is now considered a ‘smart’ ecosystem. A terminology called the ‘Internet of Things’ or IoT, in short makes this possible. With IoT growing as a new business and consumer sector, it exhibits us with immense potential of capabilities.

The concept of IoT was first advised in 1999 by Kevin Ashton, the founder of MIT Auto Identification Centre, 1999. He attributed it to an interconnected network of things connected with RFID i.e., Radio-Frequency-Identification Technology. RFID uses Radio waves and their automation to identify or authenticate objects, collect data, and control the objects. RFID comprises transmitters (tags) and receivers (readers). The tag acts as an identifier that transmits or communicates with the reader through radio waves, thus making RFID imperative for the Internet of Things.