Government Regulation and the Internet of Things

The R Street Institute hosted an expert panel last month to explore ways in which the “internet of things” is affecting cybersecurity, privacy and ownership rights. With cyberattacks on the rise and increased adoption of networked devices, these issues are now at the forefront of tech-policy debates.

The panel included University of Washington law professor Ryan Calo, Pepperdine University law and public-policy professor Gregory McNeal, Owners’ Rights Initiative Executive Director Andrew Shore and George Mason University law professor James Cooper.

The internet of things erodes traditional concepts of ownership. If the software in your fridge or thermostat is licensed, how does one transfer the license to new homeowners? Shore advocated for the You Own Devices Act—better known as “YODA”—which would allow the transfer of software ownership for the purposes of security updates and bug patches.