Asked by: Pete Hanbury, Manchester
The internet is made from a vast global collection of computer networks that all interconnect. In contrast, the Internet of Things (also known as ‘ubiquitous computing’) is a set of smart devices that connect to the internet, making them accessible remotely. Today we have connected heating thermostats, security cameras, motion sensors, lights, doorbells and even toasters. By 2020 it’s estimated there will be more than 20 billion connected devices. While this may give us amazing access to information and computing from smart objects all around us, some people warn that our privacy may be reduced because every device could be monitoring us.
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Authors
Dr Peter Bentley is a computer scientist and author who is based at University College London. He is the author of books including 10 Short Lessons in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics and Digital Biology: How nature is transforming our technology and our lives.
