Interactive LED Matrix; Privacy and Data Collection in the Internet of Things in the United States

Smart technology has dramatically increased the capabilities of home automation devices through high-level programming. Devices can now sense, adapt, and respond to environments intelligently due to sensors which provide real time information on users and environments. My research explores both sides of this development through an example of sensor utility and commentary on the dangers of excess data collection. The technical portion of my research utilizes sensor data to illuminate an LED grid based on object proximity. The societal portion of my research describes the problems associated with data collection and how these concerns can be mitigated through best practices. Together, my research contrasts the utility and risks of personal data and describes a methodology for balancing these concerns. The technical portion of my research was developed as an educational and aesthetic tool to visualize and provide intuition on the operation of infrared light, sensors, and reflection. Infrared sensors were used to measure the amount of infrared light that passed through a photoresistor. This would provide information on where nearby objects were and correspondingly, nearby LEDs were illuminated. This allows individuals to see how hand or object placement would block infrared lights and how this could be detected. The data collected by this product was minimal: how much light was detected by different sensors. However, analysis of this data could allow insights such as usage frequency and timing, and specific pattern or design creation. Therefore, this minimal dataset, if examined as a whole, could provide detailed information on a person’s schedule and could expose potential graphic symbol creation. This insight, that even small datasets can reveal personal patterns, inspired my societal research on responsible data collection practices. In my research paper, I described legislation surrounding data collection, specifically in Internet of Things (IoT) devices. I reported on the minimal level of restrictions in the United States which therefore allows corporations to collect and share data as they see fit. I then discussed some of the established standards for how companies should approach cybersecurity and data collection. Although the United States has attempted to pass legislation concerning data collection practices, it has been unsuccessful, largely due to concern for the free market. In response, I discussed a potential voluntary certification system which could provide companies who choose to adhere to data-responsible principles a competitive advantage in marketing to consumers. Product developers can use collected information about users and environments to make their products more effective. However, once collected, this data can be used for much more than product improvement. My capstone project senses infrared light and illuminates LEDs accordingly. Increased data collection and storage such as baseline infrared levels or usage timing could improve the project, but would also begin to intrude on user privacy, especially if that data were shared or used for unforeseen purposes. That is why transparency is important, because defining a balance between utility and privacy is difficult and different for everyone. By remaining transparent, corporations can contribute to ethical technology deployment and foster a positive user-corporation relationship.