Spotlight On Big Data And Connected Devices

As the number of connected devices grew (the so-called "Internet of Things"), so, too, did the risk of data hacking and unauthorized access to sensitive personal information. After the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) action against, and its settlement with, in-store beacon tracking company Nomi Technologies, other companies — especially the makers of data-connected devices and apps — spent time and money on ensuring that they provided consumers with transparency and choice with respect to how and when their data was collected.

The continued collection, sale, and use of vast amounts of consumer data in the Big Data industry regularly was raised as a primary concern of the FTC due to the perceived lack of transparency and consumer control.