20/12/2019 - Science and Technology

KEY POINTS

Internet of Things: The devices that communicate with each other in real time are known as the Internet of Things or IoT. It is the natural evolution of the internet and has many benefits including boosting global economies, improving public utilities, and increasing efficiencies.

Usefulness of IoT

·        Indian IoT market is expected to reach $15 billion by 2020 and constitute 5 percent of the global market (Nasscom). IoT will bring in investments, create jobs and improve Indian public infrastructure. Tata Communications allotted $100 million in IoT focusing on smart cities, utilities, and safety of people.

·        To review the inventory in your fridge and order groceries remotely at the click of a button.

·        IoT could help the elderly move around in self-driving cars, shop, and receive timely assistance. Japan is already using humanoid smart robots as elder care robots. Apart from monitoring their assigned senior citizen, they also assist with mobility, entertainment, and rehabilitation.

·        There are significant leaps made in the world of healthcare as well with patient monitoring, voice-enabled systems to remind people to take their medication and a ‘smart’ pill that measures variables as the pill passes through your digestive system.

Potential risks of IoT

·        Right to privacy and protection of data remains a big concern to the society, as IoT devices collect and share personal data in real-time.

·        There is growing concern about the potential for increased government surveillance and a resulting encroachment of civil rights to suppress dissent or marginalize communities.

·        Threats of Cyber crime in accessing and manipulating data.

Possible solutions

IoT will need a higher level of cooperation between nations on a global scale. Policy-makers, regulators, device manufacturers, supporting industries and service providers will all have to join hands in creating a safer space online.

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