Living Room Connected Devices: Opportunities, security challenges and privacy implications for users and industry

Abstract

PrefaceRAND Europe was commissioned by Ofcom, the UK communications regulator, to investigate and prepare an independent expert report on the growth of the connected living room and the implications of this growth for UK citizens and consumers. As the living room becomes an Internet connected space, this shift offers opportunities to consumers and industry while also raising potential privacy and security concerns. Although currently a nascent market, the uptake of living room connected devices is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. However, it appears that there is a low awareness of how the capabilities of living room connected devices might be used, either legitimately by industry or illegitimately by criminal actors. This report addresses the security and privacy implications of the Internet connected living room for both industry and consumers, discussing potential benefits and emerging threats associated with living room connected devices and their technical capabilities.Ofcom has a principal duty to further the interests of citizens and consumers in relation to communication matters. It is also guided by a regulatory principle to research markets constantly. Ofcom aims to remain at the forefront of technological developments and it is on this basis that this report was commissioned.RAND Europe is an independent not-for-profit policy research organisation that aims to improve policymaking and decisionmaking in the public interest through research and analysis. RAND Europe's clients include European governments, institutions, NGOs and firms with a need for rigorous, independent, multidisciplinary analysis.