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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Held Public Hearing About Potential Hazards with Internet-Connected Products


The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) held a public hearing About the potential hazards and safety issues associated with Internet-connected products. The hearing was announced in the federal register here and took place on this past Wednesday, May 16, 2018. The hearing was webcast live where CARU diligently was able to follow along.

The hearing recognized the CPSC's belief that although Internet of Things "IoT" products have the potential to improve our lives and offer many benefits, that there are potential risks posed to consumers. The CPSC invited comment and testimony from industry professionals relating to topics like risks relating to misuse of IoT products, IoT product safety standards, best practices for preventing IoT-caused hazards as well as the appropriate role of the CPSC and other regulatory bodies.

The CPSC regulates issues related to physical hazards surrounding products and made clear in the notice that data breaches and security issues aren't familiar territory for the agency. It's clear though that these issues are being talked about and considered. IoT products no longer seem to be under the radar so if companies are not paying attention already, it's time to start engaging.

The CPSC is still accepting written comments through June 15, 2018 on the topic.

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