Το Διαδίκτυο των Πραγμάτων στο Δημόσιο Τομέα: Η μετάβαση στην έξυπνη Διακυβέρνηση, εφαρμογές και νομικές προκλήσεις

Abstract

The Internet of Things is a revolutionary technology that is evolving into a key player in digital transformation. The interaction between humans and devices and the collection, recording, processing and transmission of data leads to the adoption of data-driven decision-making systems, remote management solutions and automation processes. A new model, smart governance, is now seeking its place in public administration. With great economic and social dynamics, the benefits IoT has to show in most areas of public policy are indicative of the indisputable public value it may produce. A contrario, the social acceptance of the IoT is closely interwoven with the fundamental rights of privacy and personal data, which are strongly tested by such technology. The exponential increase of interconnected devices that create security gaps and the inconceivable volume of data collected and processed can lead to the loss of an individual’s control over their data, the abolition of any notion of privacy and the creation of modern surveillance societies. Starting with presenting the theoretical background of IoT, this study aims at presenting its evolving potential in various fields of public policy, the correlation of smart governance with IoT and its implementation into the smart city. At the same time, the present study attempts to classify the threats posed by such technology to the aforementioned rights and to analyse the existing legal framework as to preventing such threats, while underlining the need for the establishment of an integrated regulatory framework for the IoT. Ultimately, the aim is to highlight how public administration could play a leading role in/with IoT governance, reap the benefits and combat the risks involved, so that the Internet of Things becomes the Internet of People.