Could the Internet of Bodies open Pandora's box?

I remember being excited to watch the Friday night show for Robocop way back in the late '80s. When few people even had a computer in their home, the idea of cyborg-embedding technology inside the human body seemed extraordinary and improbable. The concept is still fascinating, and while there are no killer cyborgs roaming the streets of Detroit, we have made great strides in integrating technology in human bodies to enhance their functionalities under the banner of the 'Internet of Bodies.' Using the human body as a data guinea pig raises red flags. The possibilities for a healthier future it opens up may make it worthwhile. Let's look at what IoB is, the issues it raises, and how to deal with them.

What is IoB?

The Internet of Bodies falls under the giant umbrella of the Internet of Things. It connects the human body to the internet via external, internal, or implanted means. These devices collect health metrics and other personal information to exchange, transmit, monitor, and control it remotely via the internet. The Internet of Bodies is composed of three generations:

First Generation/Body External:?

Smartwatches and bands transmit data based on physical contact through sensors, light, etc.?

Smart Wearables:

Smartwatches and fitness bands are perhaps the most common type of IoT devices. They can measure heart rate, skin and body temperature, blood pressure, stress level, sleep patterns, and calories burned. Smart wearables also include rings and even clothes. Smart contact lenses that use eye and tear fluid to collect data have been developed [1].?

Second Generation/Body Internal:?

There are pacemakers, digital pills, and other medical devices that can be implanted or ingested to control various health factors.?

Pacemakers:

Since the advent of IoT, many new pacemakers can provide real-time, continuous information about the patient's heart condition.?

Smart Pills:

Smart pills contain electronic sensors and computer chips that collect body organs and transmit data to a remote device. A digital chemotherapy pill that collects drug dosage and time, heart rate, and activity data is already used [2].?

Third Generation/Body Embedded:?

A stage where electronic devices are completely merged with the human body while maintaining real-time connectivity.?

Embedded Devices:?

Still, in infancy, embedded devices are posing as the future of the Internet of Bodies; we already have glimpses of the future with Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) [3] that provide users with the ability to communicate with and control electronic devices via their brains.

Risks and Concerns:?

Although most security challenges are similar to what we already face in IoT devices, you should look at them more carefully because one mistake could lead to a potential life or death situation.

Cybersecurity Risks:

Any internet-enabled device is subject to a potential hack. Vulnerabilities can allow unauthorized parties to leak private information, tamper with data, or lock users out of their accounts. However, the stakes are higher when these devices are on or inside our bodies. To summarize the cybersecurity risks of IoT devices, consider former US Vice President Dick Cheney, who in 2013 had his WiFi-connected artificial pacemaker replaced with a similar one without WiFi capability because any hacker could potentially assassinate him by conducting an electric shock [4]. In another case, a hacker took control of people's internet-connected chastity cages and demanded ransom in Bitcoin to unlock them [5].?

Privacy Concerns:

IoT devices rely on a person's private health data to function, which can be pretty valuable to many companies, authorized or unauthorized. Even the companies collecting the data can use it for nefarious uses. Data gathered by digital pills can allow insurance companies to monitor the data and deny coverage for patients who are not following their prescribed dose requirements.?

Similarly, an IoB cochlear implant that helps a patient restore hearing can also record surrounding audio. Companies could well be in the position to misuse this data. National security is also a cause of concern, especially for politicians and business personalities. Additionally, there is no regulation on data brokers in most countries. IoT devices can track "unhealthy" behaviors of a patient and sell them to third-party advertisers who can then create a profile to show target-based advertisements.?

How to mitigate them?

The onus lies on the manufacturers who must ensure that the IoB devices adhere to HIPAA and equivalent regulations of respective geographies and provide transparency in data handling. User consent should be one of the foremost steps that we must take to mitigate data risks. The device documentation should include how the device functions, what data the company will obtain, how they will process it, the parties involved in the data processing, the jurisdiction under which the data will be governed, the helpline number to address any concerns.?

On the other hand, policymakers should establish new ground rules and protection standards on the usage of personal health data. Laws around data collection and the user's right to opt-out should be framed. Data brokers, insurance providers, and other bodies directly associated with IoT devices must be regulated, restricting who can collect what data and how they can use it. False marketing that promises a better quality of life must be avoided. The media should focus on the likely harms along with the apparent benefits.?

Lastly, regulatory bodies can develop privacy certifications similar to Energy-saving stars that will allow users more control and ownership over their data and help them make an informed decision before purchasing.

Conclusion

As we move forward to a more digitized data-driven future, our bodies have finally become the interface to create data. IoT devices have many benefits, but we must strike a balance between technological progress and personal safety and privacy.