Brandon N. Robinson Shares Insights on the U.K.’s Internet of Things (IoT) Regulations with Law.com International

Brandon N. Robinson, partner in Balch’s Birmingham office and chair of the firm’s Data Privacy & Security Practice, explains how the U.K.’s proposed regulations to Internet of Things (IoT) Laws may impact consumers and manufacturers. With these new regulations come the potential for additional third-party involvement, which could prove challenging for outside vendors. The U.K’s law requires setting and tracking unique passwords for each device. The law also calls for a point of contact for consumers to report “security vulnerability,” and manufacturers to clearly state how long products will receive security updates. 

In the article, Brandon states “Having to tailor the design or production of IoT devices to multiple jurisdictions to maintain compliance could slow the growth of IoT devices globally and disincentivize businesses from offering IoT devices in certain areas because of such conflicts.”

Brandon counsels clients in a variety of industries regarding cybersecurity and data privacy issues to assist them in proactively managing risks while maintaining innovative customer service. Brandon counsels companies on issues that include data breach management and response, compliance with federal, state, and sectoral privacy laws and regulations, review and drafting of contracts with vendors and other third parties involving customer data and nondisclosure agreements, and the creation and maintenance of company policies and procedures. He also serves as transactional counsel on projects involving technology and data, including drones, broadband infrastructure, data application and transfers, and other emerging technologies. As part of his energy practice, Brandon also represents electric utilities and others in the energy industry on a variety of regulatory and technological compliance issues, including cybersecurity issues related to critical infrastructure protection.

Brandon is the editor and a frequent contributor to the firm’s Data Privacy & Security Observer blog, which provides legal updates and thought leadership in data privacy and cyber security.