We are beginning to see the next big thing in Internet-related
innovation. From Fitbit to Google Glass, the so-called
'Internet of Things', or the 'IoT', is poised to
revolutionise the way we interact with the world. Basically, the
IoT involves any 'thing' and every 'thing'
connected to the Internet (and/or to other things and people) that
allows the transfer of information without the need for personal
computers. These wirelessly networked 'things' collect
data, monitor activities and customise a user's experience to
whatever their needs or desires.
This innovate leap in consumer technology will present
significant headaches for Australia's legislature and judiciary
– in particular its potential to rapidly disrupt
long-standing social and legal norms with respect to privacy.
However, it is easy to forget that while privacy protection is
important, so too is innovation, entrepreneurialism, economic
growth, price competition, and consumer choice. Finding
