FTC Submits Comments On Security Support For IoT Devices

The Federal Trade Commission in June submitted comments to the working group convened by the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), which is studying the security of Internet of Things (IoT) connected devices and how they interact with consumers.

This request for comments focused on how IoT device manufacturers can effectively inform consumers about security updates for their devices so that consumers can make informed purchasing decisions. Many IoT observers have identified the risks associated with IoT devices that either are not designed to address data privacy and security vulnerabilities or quickly become vulnerable when security threats evolve, but the devices are not updated. The Commission, which has made effective disclosures a hallmark of its privacy and security enforcement and guidance, weighed in on best practices in IoT disclosures by suggesting a number of enhancements to NTIA's proposed