Wearable technology – the future of privacy

 (UPDATE, 01/07/2014: Our consultation on updating our CCTV Code of Practice has now ended. We are currently considering the responses received with a view to publishing an updated version of our guidance later in the year). 

Not so long ago, the collection of personal information by body worn devices was limited to trials in specific police forces, and others that could afford the specialist equipment. However, recent progress in hardware means that wearable technology may well become as common as mobile phones, as more and more technology companies start bringing out new devices that use personal information to make your life that little bit easier.

If you’re one of the more than one million people in the UK who go running each week you may already be familiar with the range of smart bands that can track useful information, such as heart rate, running speed and location, all using something no bigger than a standard watch. All of this can help you improve your times, find out how many calories you burn off and plan your next route.

This is uncontroversial if the device simply creates the data and lets you view it on, say, a computer at home. However, further functions might involve wider sharing of your personal data, for instance, checking how your performance has improved compared to others. Some functions, such as plotting your route on a map after your run, might be more efficiently performed using an online service, even though it might not be strictly necessary to do this.

read full article at ICO Blogs