US senators reintroduce draft bill to support the Internet of Things

Four senators in the US Congress have reintroduced a draft bill aimed to ‘ensure appropriate spectrum planning and interagency coordination to support the Internet of Things’ (IoT). The draft bill (initially introduced in March 2016) calls for the creation of a governmental working group whose tasks would include, among others: identifying policies and regulations that could inhibit the development of the IoT; considering policies or programmes that improve coordination among federal authorities with jurisdiction over IoT; and examine security measures that authorities may need to take to safely and securely use the IoT. The group would consult with other stakeholders, and would be supported by a steering committee tasked with providing advice on issues such as: the privacy of IoT users, IoT security, and opportunities and challenges associated with the use of IoT by small business.