Big data and the Internet of Things: Two sides of the same coin?
by Tamara Dull, SAS Best Practices
Relationship between Big Data and IoT
The article explores the connection between Big Data and the Internet of Things (IoT), asking whether they are two sides of the same coin.
It concludes that Big Data is a subset of IoT, since the latter involves not only data, but also devices and connectivity.
Mauritius Conference (2014)
A meeting of representatives from the private sector and academia to discuss the impact of Big Data and IoT.
Two key documents were drafted:
Mauritius Resolution on Big Data
Mauritius Declaration on the Internet of Things
These documents recognise the benefits of Big Data and IoT, but also express concerns about privacy and civil rights.
Key principles established
The Mauritius Resolution on Big Data:
Privacy by design.
Transparency regarding the collection and use of data.
Limiting data use to the defined purpose.
Explicit consent and individual access to their data.
Protection against misuse of data and regular reviews.
The Mauritius Declaration on IoT:
Data from connected devices should be treated as personal data.
Promoting privacy as a key selling point.
Local data processing and the use of end-to-end encryption.
The need for open debate on the ethical implications of IoT.
Importance of the documents
Although not legally binding, these documents reflect the growing relevance of privacy and data protection in the era of Big Data and IoT.
They also raise concerns similar to those highlighted in White House reports on discrimination, personalisation and data re-identification.
Author’s conclusion
Big Data and IoT are deeply interconnected, but Big Data can be seen as one part within the broader framework of IoT.
The author plans to explore this relationship further in the future.
