Government Data Authorities do Privacy Sweep of IoT Devices

Federal data protection authorities from 29 countries, coordinated by the UK Information Commissioner’s Office under the Global Privacy Enforcement Network (GPEN), conducted a 2016 "privacy sweep" examining Internet-connected devices—including fitness and health trackers, thermostats, smart meters, TVs and connected cars—to assess whether privacy information and data handling practices are meaningfully conveyed to consumers; participating agencies (including the U.S. FTC and Canada’s Office of the Privacy Commissioner) reviewed device packaging, companion websites and manufacturer transparency, with findings and recommendations to follow.