A Legal Framework for Always-On Devices

PI: Prof. Cláudio Lucena. 

Abstract:
This research attempts to identify policy-making issues and governing alternatives concerning the use of these always-on sensors, focusing on the questions that seem immediately relevant, such as how to treat consent, how to manage and control the collected data, how to ensure compliance with the privacy and data protection applicable law and policies, and under which circumstances should authorities be granted access to the collected data. It suggests exploring different features in various kinds of sensors and how this diversity can become legally relevant. The objective is to devise a legal framework of principles and best practices for this variety to be taken into account in the process of regulating or deciding on the governance of the use of sensors and connected items in sensitive always-on contexts.