You are likely aware that, in terms of privacy, the world today is not the same as it was even 15 years ago. For example, as of 2022, there were a billion digital cameras operating worldwide. Even private residences now commonly record video of the street they are on, never mind the mobile devices that are quickly activated whenever something even mildly interesting occurs.
Governments worldwide are responding with new regulatory frameworks that seek to enforce their privacy laws amid this situation. They seek to answer questions such as these:
How can they make sure that someone’s face, personal information, and unproven allegations aren’t broadcast to billions around the world?
How can they ensure sensitive information about their country’s infrastructure operations doesn’t fall into the hands of groups that might want to do their citizens harm?
How do they give their citizenry a say in what corporations do with the ever-sprawling datasets about their personal life?
How can they even capture an up-to-date snapshot of these datasets, and what is being done with them?
With that as context, let’s run through some specific things to keep in mind when architecting an edge computing solution.
Regulatory compliance
With the advent of stringent data protection laws such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) in the US, and similar regulations worldwide, businesses are under pressure to manage data responsibly. Industry 4.0 technologies, such as advanced data analytics and IoT, must be designed and operated in compliance with these laws. This involves ensuring data is collected, processed, and stored in ways that respect user privacy and consent.
Data sovereignty
This concept involves adhering to laws and regulations about the storage and handling of data within the geographical borders of a country. Industry 4.0 practices have to account for data sovereignty, especially for multinational companies that operate across different jurisdictions with varying data laws.
Secure data handling
As Industry 4.0 systems collect and process large volumes of data, including potentially sensitive information, ensuring the security of this data is paramount. This involves implementing robust cybersecurity measures, secure data storage solutions, and secure communication channels to prevent data breaches and unauthorized access.