ABCs and IoT: Understanding the Impact of IoT Devices on Vulnerable Children

Abstract

The growing reliance on the internet has led to children being introduced to IoT devices and technology at an earlier age. The internet is always growing and with that comes more dangers to be cautious of. This research paper aims to determine what policies need to be in place to help protect children’s interests while still respecting familial privacy. This research paper will look specifically into the added dangers that affect vulnerable children such as LGBTQ+ youth and abused children. Research was conducted to determine the various IoT devices that children and adolescents are exposed to along with their corresponding vulnerabilities and dangers. Research showed that there is not enough privacy protection for children’s online data and the current protections in place do not account for the vulnerable children population. Through this research, policy recommendations were made that would safeguard children from online commercial interests and parental monitoring.