IoT on the Hill

Laws don’t always keep pace with technology. That’s why it’s important to educate lawmakers on new technologies. Internet of Things vendors, including Qualcomm, Bell Labs, Toyota and ABB Asset Health Center, were invited to showcase their IOT products before the House Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade subcmte Tues, followed by a hearing. “Unlike other established markets, the Internet of Things is still developing, and we are still trying to understand the nature and basis of threats facing this ecosystem,” subcmte chmn Michael Burgess (R-TX) said. He cautioned that “too much potential for economic progress and consumer welfare is at stake to act without a full appreciation for what this market can offer.” The FTC issued a report in Jan that recommends industries develop self-regulatory programs and adopt privacy- and security-sensitive practices. Among the witnesses was Rose Schooler, vp of Intel’s IoT Group. As early adopters deploy technologies to enable IoT solutions, it is important that the various IoT technologies are “interoperable” with each other as well as being able to adapt and grow to accommodate new and changing business requirements, she said, adding proprietary technologies will slow down IoT adoption, limit scalability and delay economic benefits.