Back in 2020, I wrote about my concerns regarding the direction of smart technology and IoT devices. As we close out 2024, it’s time to revisit this topic – especially given the seismic shifts we’ve seen in AI, data collection, and privacy regulations.

The Smart Revolution: Promise vs. Reality

When I first entered the IoT field in 1999, I envisioned a future where smart technology would enhance our lives without compromising our privacy. This vision led me to found IoT Oxford, which became the UK’s second IoT meetup group after London, attracting global speakers and keeping us at the forefront of emerging technologies. Fast forward 25 years, and while we’ve achieved incredible technological advances, the privacy landscape has become increasingly complex.

Recent developments in the US have brought these concerns to the forefront.

The US Privacy Landscape: A Turning Point

The United States is experiencing a watershed moment in digital privacy that’s reshaping the smart technology industry:

These changes have global implications. Companies developing smart products must now navigate complex privacy requirements across different jurisdictions, while consumers are demanding more control over their data. The cost of ignoring privacy is rising, both financially and reputationally.

The Rise of Smart Everything

Today’s homes are filled with devices that listen, watch, and analyse our every move. From smart doorbells to AI-powered assistants, the level of data collection has expanded exponentially. While these technologies offer genuine benefits, they often come with hidden costs to privacy and security.

A Different Approach: The Rufilla Way

At Rufilla, we believe there’s a better way to develop smart products. Our approach, shaped by years of pioneering work in embedded Linux and IoT security, centres on three core principles:

1. Security by Design
   • We pioneered secure boot on the iMX6UL processor and developed a complete secure boot chain
   • Our systems extend security from bootloader through kernel to root filesystem using SMAC and IMA
   • We’ve adopted the automotive grade Linux security model as our standard
   • Every platform includes robust over-the-air upgrade capabilities as there are other solutions we’d use, especially for RTOS systems
2. Transparency and Knowledge Transfer
   • We build products with clear, understandable data collection policies
   • Every feature that collects data has a specific, justified purpose
   • We emphasise user control and easy opt-out options
   • We share everything, document thoroughly, and focus on enabling our clients to innovate independently
3. Complete Platform Security
   • Security isn’t an afterthought – it’s built into every layer of our product platforms
   • Regular security audits and updates are part of our development cycle
   • We create custom security analysis tools to ensure robust protection

Real Solutions for Real Concerns

The solution isn’t to abandon smart technology – it’s to build it better. Here’s what we believe needs to happen:

1. Enhanced Transparency
   • Clear, concise privacy policies that actually make sense
   • Real-time notifications when data is being collected
   • Easy-to-use dashboards for managing personal data
2. Stronger Regulations
   • Standardised privacy requirements across jurisdictions
   • Regular audits of data collection practices
   • Meaningful penalties for violations
3. User Empowerment
   • Simple, effective opt-out mechanisms
   • Complete data portability and deletion rights
   • Clear understanding of how data is used and shared

The Future We’re Building

At Rufilla, we’re committed to developing smart products that enhance lives without compromising privacy. Our work spans diverse applications, from smart energy solutions with Octopus Energy to sophisticated telecare devices and industrial IoT systems. Each project demonstrates that it’s possible to create innovative, connected products while maintaining strong privacy standards.

Looking Forward

The dystopian future I feared in 2020 isn’t inevitable. Through our experience in creating secure platforms and our partnerships with UK manufacturing experts, we’re showing that it’s possible to develop smart products that respect privacy while delivering innovation. Our approach, combining deep technical expertise with a commitment to transparency and knowledge sharing, is helping companies build the next generation of secure, privacy-conscious smart devices.

Want to learn more about our approach to developing secure, privacy-conscious smart products? Let’s start a conversation about how we can help bring your ideas to life – the right way.