Internet of Things

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Explainer

An introduction to software updates (and why they matter)

Video: How Companies Exploit Your Data

Campaigns

Best Before Date for our devices

Demanding device sustainability through long-term software support and transparency from manufacturers.

Report and Analysis

Report

Close-up of a store shelf that shows electronics like a laptop, smartphone and smart watches bearing software expiry dates

We looked into the software support practices for 5 of the most popular smart devices (and the results may disappoint you)

As EU policymakers are about to adopt new laws to empower consumers and increase cyber-resilience, PI's research shows that the existing practices of device manufacturers around software and security updates fail to meet the expectations of the vast majority of consumers.

Case Study

…it limits how data can be used against us

You are considered innocent until it can be proved you are guilty according to law. If accused of a crime you have the right to a defence.

Long Read

Our Data Future

By Valentina Pavel, PI Mozilla-Ford Fellow, 2018-2019 Our digital environment is changing, fast. Nobody knows exactly what it’ll look like in five to ten years’ time, but we know that how we produce and share our data will change where we end up. We have to decide how to protect, enhance, and

News

20th October 2022

Privacy International research shows that smart device security updates fail to meet consumers' expectations

17th April 2019

The mystery of the Amazon Echo data

3rd April 2017

Is Your Car Connected?

2nd November 2016

Why the Internet of Things Begs for a Paradigm Shift in Internet Security

1st August 2016

Protecting Innovations and Protecting Data: Can we have surveillance and innovation?

Examples of Abuse

Want to know how this translate in the real world? Here is the latest example in the news.

LA police ask Ring owners for footage of protests against police violence

Emails obtained by EFF show that the Los Angeles Police Department contacted Amazon Ring owners specifically asking for footage of protests against racist police violence that took place across the US in the summer of 2020. LAPD signed a formal partnership with Ring and its associated "Neighbors"

See more examples of abuse

Our Advocacy

PI's proposed amendments to the draft Directive on empowering consumers for the green transition

Summary

The text of the draft Directive should be improved with amendments to ensure that current company practices do not result in serious harms for consumers or negatively impact devices’ sustainability.