FTC Issues Landmark Report On Internet Of Things

The FTC has released its much anticipated report on the Internet of Things ("IoT") – a topic that has been top-of-mind for many companies. The FTC's report, "Internet of Things: Privacy & Security in a Connected World" (the "Report"), discusses the benefits and risks associated with IoT, and addresses the privacy and data security measures the FTC recommends for consumer-facing IoT products and services [The FTC's discussion of IoT within the report, consistent with the FTC's jurisdiction, is limited to such devices that are sold to or used by consumers, and not devices sold in a business-to-business context or broader machine-to-machine communications]. While the Report is not legally binding, it provides a strong and valuable indication of the positions that the FTC may take in enforcement actions related to IoT.