In September 2018, California passed SB-327, the first Internet of Things (IoT) security law addressing growing concerns over cybersecurity for the burgeoning market of consumer IoT devices.

Continue Reading Internet-of-Things Security Standards: Will States Follow California’s Lead or Look Across the Pond for Further Guidance?

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced on March 27 its plan to hold a public hearing on May 16 “to receive information from all interested parties about the potential safety issues and hazards associated with internet-connected consumer products,” commonly known as the Internet of Things (IoT).
Continue Reading CPSC Takes a Dip in the IoT Regulatory Pool

150715-ProdLiab-IoTThe Internet of Things and the Inevitable Collision with Products Liability, published in February 2015, identified a number of factors leading to the emergence and phenomenal growth of the Internet of Things (IoT).  It also identified issues relating to potential product liability exposures and the impact that IoT-connected devices could have on risk assessment and risk transfer due to the consequences of foreseeable vulnerabilities and failures with IoT-connected products.

This second article addresses in more detail the emerging liability risks for the stakeholders at the forefront of the development and implementation of these technologies who, in turn, will be forced to confront those liabilities whether or not they are prepared to do so.

Continue Reading The Internet of Things and the Inevitable Collision with Products Liability PART 2: One Step Closer

Internet of Things: The Inevitable Collision with Product Liability is the first of a five-part series written by Michael O’Brien. Links to the other blogs in this series can be found at the end of this article.

Internet connection

 The IoT – Internet of Things – is undergoing a rapid development that will continue to transform how we interact, conduct business and live our lives. The movement toward IoT’s ubiquitous application and use does not come without risk and, while some of the consequences can be easily predicted, many will not be fully understood for some time to come.

One area that will be impacted is product liability. The advent of smart devices will have far-reaching consequences for manufacturers and software developers to tech service companies, insurers and, most certainly, consumers. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a report in January 2015 that highlights and forecasts these very concerns.

Continue Reading The Internet of Things: The Inevitable Collision with Product Liability