The Internet of
Behavior (IoB) is a concept that refers to the collection, analysis,
and use of data from various sources on the Internet to determine and influence human behavior. It combines
the abilities of big data, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things
(IoT) to build a network of interconnected devices and systems that can
monitor, analyze, and predict human actions. As the IoB continues to gain wider acceptance, it raises pertinent legal and ethical concerns that society must deal with to navigate this uncharted territory.
In this article, we will be looking at these legal implications. They are:
Privacy Issue
The issue of privacy is one of the greatest legal implications of the IoB. As many different devices and systems access the personal data of individuals, there is fear about the potential breach of individual privacy and misuse of the information. Although, some territories have enacted data privacy laws, such as the European Union’s General Data
Protection Regulation(GDPR), and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), aimed at protecting individuals’ rights to control their personal
information, however, the IoB still poses new threats to these legal frameworks, as the volume and variety of data collected can make it extremely difficult to determine what constitutes personal data and how to protect it.
Data Ownership and Control Issues
Another concern on the IoB is the questions
about data ownership and control. As different devices and systems collect data from
various sources and store it in different locations, it can be difficult to determine who should maintain ownership of data and who has
the right to access, use, and profit from it. This can lead to disputes and litigations between
individuals, companies, and even governments, as they each seek to determine their
rights over the valuable data generated by the IoB. Legislators and regulators need to develop new legal frameworks that clearly
define data ownership and control in the context of the IoB to address this concern.
Discrimination and Bias
The possibility of discrimination and bias also raises legal concerns about IoB. Artificial intelligence systems are used to analyze data to
influence human behavior, there is a risk that these systems may perpetuate
existing biases and stereotypes, leading to unfair treatment of certain
individuals or groups. For instance, an IoB system that uses data on past
purchasing behavior to display targeted advertisements may inadvertently exclude certain
demographics, reinforcing existing inequalities in access to certain goods and
services. To address this risk, regulators may need to enact new
anti-discrimination laws and guidelines that specifically address the unique
challenges IoB may likely pose.
Liability
Lastly, the issue of liability is considered a significant legal concern in the IoB landscape. As interconnected devices and systems influence human behavior, it can be difficult to determine who to hold to account when things go south. For example, if an IoB system recommends a particular course of action that results in harm or loss, who would be held responsible? Should be the individual who followed the recommendation, the company that developed the system, or the data providers that made the data available? Mitigating this concern will require lawmakers and regulators to reevaluate existing liability laws and develop new legal frameworks that can effectively assign responsibility in the complex IoB landscape.
In conclusion, the Internet of Behavior presents a myriad of legal implications that society must address to navigate this uncharted territory. As the IoB continues to gain traction and expand, the government, and industry stakeholders have to work together to develop new legal frameworks that will protect individual privacy, ensure data ownership and control, prevent discrimination and bias, and assign liability appropriately. By proactively addressing these legal challenges, the potential of the IoB can leveraged to drive innovation while safeguarding the rights and interests of all.