• Introduction-We live among the growing Internet of Things (“IoT”), a giant network of connected “things,” devices, appliances, even automobiles and health care devices – including connecting people and is a growing topic of discussion
• What is the “Internet of Things?” -What is the “Internet of Things?”  Simply, it is the ability of a device to connect with each other and to connect to the Internet.Like “smart phones” that do so much more than make telephone calls, the list of “smart” devices is endless – phones, watches, televisions,refrigerators, coffee makers, lamps, doorbells, pacemakers, and cochlear implants can all be configured for connectivity
• Data Security Risks-There are also issues related with all the information created and data stored or available by IoT devices.The most significant challenge is determining whether a self-regulation regime by the manufacturers of these devices will be sufficient to address security concerns or whether comprehensive legislation and regulation will be necessary
• The Federal Government Weighs In- In January 2015, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) issued a report detailing the risks and benefits of IoT.  In that report, the FTC highlights three potential security threats to consumers.  
• Distributed Denial of Service and Ransomware Concerns- Since the FTC’s January 2015 Report, IoT devices have often been subject to ransomware attacks and Distributed Denial of Services (“DDoS”) attacks
• Privacy Concerns in the Data Collected and Used by the IoT-  There are also privacy concerns related to the IoT.IoT devices collect sensitive information, including precise geolocation, financial account information, and health information (such as heart rate and diet information).Devices such a wearable fitness trackers that connect to the internet collect extremely sensitive health data about a person’s wellness. This information can, for example, be used by insurance companies to set an individual’s insurance premiums and deductibles
• Privacy Concerns in the Health Care Data Collected and Used by the IoT- Other health care data – such as medical records and results from MRI and digital X-Ray machines are also vulnerable as IoT medical devices become increasingly common in hospitals and the healthcare industry.Healthcare providers were the top target of cyberattacks in 2015 Hospitals and healthcare remain a major target with providers falling preyto new attacks no less than bi-monthly
• The Regulation of IoT- Despite significant security and privacy concerns, IoT devices and data remain largely unregulated; there are no specific laws that govern how IoT data can be collected or used
• The Regulation of IoT by Manufacturers- The National Telecommunication and Information Administration (“NTIA”) has identified ways manufacturers can communicate to better inform consumers and the marketplace about the capability of IoT devices to receive security updates.These include identifying whether a device can receive security updates; if so, how the updates are received; and, when the device will sunset and no longer be capable of receiving updates
• Liability for the IoT is Still Unanswered - Liability is also a topic of discussion when considering the Internet of Things. There are two main areas where liability can arise with IoT devices
• Liability using Federal Laws of General Applicability- Regulators are utilizing the general and broad mandates of Section 5(a) of the Federal Trade Commission Act (“FTC Act”), which makes “unfair and deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce” illegal to hold individuals and entities accountable
• Product Liability Theories- Liability may also attach based on the theories of product liability laws. Product liability is an area of law in which manufacturers and retailers are held responsible for damages caused by product failures. Product liability claims fall into three categories: negligence; strict liability, and; breach of warranty. End User License Agreements (“EULAs”) often limit or cut-off a consumer’s ability to prevail on a products liability claim
• Future Remedies- Perhaps the only way for consumers to hold manufacturers and others liable for damages is by demonstrating that EULAs are “unconscionable.” Collective consumer backlash may also deter companies from creating faulty products or discourage other consumers from purchasing faulty products

This new webinar goes reveals how we live among the growing Internet of Things (“IoT”).  Technology is close to our bodies -- smartphones in our pockets, smartwatches on our wrists, and smart glasses on our faces. This new webinar reviews privacy concerns about data security and uses in the law and in the healthcare industry.  We now live among the growing Internet of Things, a giant network of connected devices, appliances, and health care technology – connecting people.

The IoT impacts us daily – at work, at home, and in health care, with growing legal implications.Attendees will learn about privacy risks and legal implications.

Finally, while state licensure board disciplinary action is one consequence of a privacy breach, employment policies provide the underlying basis for firing a nurse or health care practitioner.Examples of core rules for employment policies and “dos and don’ts” in an employment setting will cover this topic.