Hey, did you see my run on Strava?

Welcome readers to the 'Internet of Things (IoT)' blog post! So, I hear you say, what is the IoT and how does it impact you?

The IoT can be defined as 'a system of interrelated, internet-connected objects that are able to collect and transfer data over a wireless network without human intervention.' (https://www.aeris.com/what-is-iot/). The IoT extends to every aspect of our lives as humans, from the cars we drive to the watches we use to track our health.

In simple terms, the system works as follows; devices collect data, this data is collected on a secure IoT platform, from the platform numerous data is integrated and analytics are applied, the most valuable data is shared on applications that address industry-specific needs. For example, Strava is an application used to track physical activity and is accessible directly through Garmin watches. When a run is recorded Strava stores the information, it is then accessible (with the user's permission) for this data, including, time, speed, heart rate, elevation etc., to be shared amongst other users. Strava is then able to evaluate this collection of data to make changes on their product, seek improvements or alter future products to fully address user's needs (https://www.pixelcrayons.com/blog/what-are-pros-and-cons-of-internet-of-things/) . For a full explanation, see the link below.

The IoT sounds pretty incredible, right? In fact, there are many pros including; greater accessibility to large amounts of data, M2M (machine to machine) communication (reducing the risk of human error and human exhaustion, resulting in unreliable data), cost-effectivity and efficiency/ productivity.

However, with every good idea, there are weaknesses. The world of technology is commonly known for its flailing capability to maintain privacy. It is fair to say that all users of technology are concerned by the safety of their data and breaches of personal data create great uncertainty, especially from large organisations or popular companies.

More specifically, Strava a health and fitness tracking app was under the microscope in 2018 when its location tracking revealed U.S military bases to the public (https://www.forbes.com/sites/thomasbrewster/2018/01/29/strava-fitness-data-location-privacy-scare/#417ea9c755c3). The validity of its tracking was already in question, and this instance was the cherry on top that encouraged users to be particularly sceptical with two factors;

1) how lenient they were in sharing their location and

2) who they approved to view their location

It then bred the question, were the U.S military soldiers responsible for sharing their location or is it the responsibility of Strava to provide prompts and educate users when setting up their account?

It's also vital to establish that Strava is not the only application incurring the ethics of privacy. Apple recently released a privacy campaign - 'Privacy. That's iPhone- Over Sharing'. It is quite infatuating as to why Apple were compelled to create such a campaign when they already insist that personal data and information is secure and has been since establishment.

The internet of things breeds creativity and provides humanity with an incredible capability to utilise data efficiently and in great masses, for bettering future developments. However, I'm not sure a system bypassing human collaboration is as dependable as proposed.

What do you think?