The EU Commission has launched a sector inquiry into the “Internet of Things” for consumer-related products and services in the EU. The sector inquiry shall focus on consumer-related products and services connected to a network and which can be controlled remotely, for example via voice assistant or mobile device. This includes intelligent household appliances and body worn devices. Although the “Internet of Things” for consumer-related products and services is still at a relatively early stage of development in the EU, there would be evidence that certain business practices could lead to structural distortions of competition (e.g. by limiting access and the interoperability of data). Pursuant to the EU Commission, the findings of the sector inquiry shall contribute to the enforcement of competition law in the consumer-related “Internet of Things” sector.

More information: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_20_1326