Patron Privacy and the Internet of Things: The Intersection of Policy and Technology

As the Internet of Things (IoT advances and an increasing number of personal and household devices become connected, the implications for individual privacy become much greater. Public librarians occupy a unique position in their potential for advocacy and education about privacy and the IoT. Makerspace programs are an especially apt place to begin a dialogue with patrons to help them understand how new technologies can affect their privacy and how they can better navigate online and data-sharing environments. While Canada’s privacy legislation undergoes review over the next few years, librarians can open a dialogue with patrons and provide educational programs that will allow patrons to become more critical digital citizens.