WEF Backs Efforts to Protect IoT Privacy, Security, Equality

Consumers International, Carnegie Mellon University, Zigbee Alliance, UL, Arcelik and Libelium are launching a global coalition Thursday to “improve the trustworthiness of consumer IoT devices and help consumers better understand the benefits and risks associated with these products,” said the World Economic Forum Wednesday. It cited the need for stronger security and privacy in the IoT as connected devices proliferate and for technologies to “become a force for shared societal benefit.” The organizations will focus on building consensus on device safeguards and standards for connected CE devices, such as voice assistants, security cameras and wearable technologies, it said. Work will be complemented by an emerging partnership with Helpful Places, Digital Public Square and Boston, which are working to increase transparency and signage for the use of digital technologies in public spaces, it said. Brazil, Colombia, Kazakhstan, South Africa and Turkey are working together to help build the technological capability of small and medium-sized enterprises with an aim to support more than 5,000 companies within three years. Thirty-six cities, including Buenos Aires, Istanbul, London and Mexico City, will pioneer a global policy road map for responsible and ethical use of connected technologies as part of the G20 Global Smart Cities Alliances, including the launch of privacy, security and digital infrastructure policies. “With the emergence of 5G and IoT, we are on the cusp of unleashing the power of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and enabling the digital transformation of industries around the world,” said Qualcomm President Cristiano Amon, co-chair, Global IoT Council. “COVID-19 has accelerated digitalization at all levels in our society,” but to make technology accessible, it’s necessary “to ensure inclusive and understandable privacy at all levels, making sure that nobody is left behind,” said Alicia Asin, CEO of Libelium.