Share on LinkedInShare on LinkedIn

ARTICLE · 12 NOVEMBER 2018

California Passes First Of Its Kind Iot Cybersecurity Law

California recently became the first state in the union to pass a cybersecurity law addressing "smart" devices and Internet of Things (IoT) technology.

CanadaTechnology

California recently became the first state in the union to pass a cybersecurity law addressing "smart" devices and Internet of Things (IoT) technology. The term IoT generally refers to anything connected to the internet, including smart home devices (e.g., Amazon's Alexa, NEST thermostats, etc.). The new bill, SB-327, was introduced last year, passed the Senate in late August, was signed by the governor in September, and will go into effect January 1, 2020.

Below is a summary of California's new law and some takeaways for IoT device manufacturers as they move toward January 1, 2020 compliance.

Core Security Obligation

The new law addresses the security obligations of "manufacturers" of connected devices. "Manufacturer" is defined under the new law as "the person who manufacturers, or contracts with another person to manufacture on the person's behalf, connected devices that are sold or offered for sale in California." (Civ. Code § 1798.91.05(c)) The new law

We operate a free-to-view policy, asking only that you register in order to read all of our content. Please login or register to view the rest of this article.

About Dentons

Dentons is the world's first polycentric global law firm. A top 20 firm on the Acritas 2015 Global Elite Brand Index, the Firm is committed to challenging the status quo in delivering consistent and uncompromising quality and value in new and inventive ways. Driven to provide clients a competitive edge, and connected to the communities where its clients want to do business, Dentons knows that understanding local cultures is crucial to successfully completing a deal, resolving a dispute or solving a business challenge. Now the world's largest law firm, Dentons' global team builds agile, tailored solutions to meet the local, national and global needs of private and public clients of any size in more than 125 locations serving 50-plus countries. www.dentons.com

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances. Specific Questions relating to this article should be addressed directly to the author.

See more popular content from