Protecting EU Consumers in Internet of Things Ecosystems The Intersection between Consumer, Competition, and Data

The number of devices being connected to the internet is growing rapidly. This trend--referred to as the Internet of Things (IoT)--reflects the gradual transformation of everyday objects into smart devices. These smart devices are capable of collecting data from their surroundings and sharing that data over the internet.

As a result, the development of the IoT raises extensive legal questions from a consumer protection perspective. First, the functionality of smart devices challenges consumer autonomy and the average consumer's ability to make well-informed transactional decisions. Second, concerns remain about consumer choice as consumers can't easily switch due to interoperability limitations. Third, consumer privacy is threatened by the data-driven nature of the IoT.

Protecting EU Consumers in Internet of Things Ecosystems explores solutions to these challenges by critically analyzing the interplay between EU consumer law, EU competition law, and EU data privacy law, aiming to balance innovation and consumer protection in IoT ecosystems. At a time when society must question how the benefits of IoT can be harnessed for the greater good--rather than posing a threat to consumers, businesses, and governments--this volume offers valuable insights for academics, policymakers, businesses, and anyone interested in understanding the impact of technology on our daily lives.

Christof Koolen, Postdoctoral Researcher, KU Leuven Centre for IT & IP Law

Christof Koolen is a postdoctoral researcher at the KU Leuven's Centre for IT & IP Law, where he studies the use of Natural Language Processing (NLP) for legal research. He completed his PhD on the Internet of Things, focusing on select legal implications of smart devices and digital ecosystems in the EU. Before starting his PhD, Christof interned at several law firms in Brussels. He obtained a Master of Laws from the KU Leuven in 2017 and a Magister Juris degree from the University of Oxford in 2018.

Part I. EXPLORING THE IOT LANDSCAPEChapter 1. IntroductionChapter 2. Understanding the Internet of ThingsPart II. PROTECTING CONSUMERS IN IOT ECOSYSTEMSChapter 3. Protecting Consumer Autonomy against Unfair Commercial ConductChapter 4. Enabling Consumer Choice via Interoperability and StandardizationChapter 5. Enhancing Consumer Privacy through Transparency and ConsentPart III. SHAPING THE FUTURE OF CONSUMER PROTECTIONChapter 6. Refining Consumer ProtectionChapter 7. Realigning Consumer, Competition, and Data Privacy LawChapter 8. Conclusion