SIA CA SB 327 Opposition Letter Related to IoT Regulation in California

In May 2017, the Security Industry Association (SIA) opposed CA SB 327, The Teddy Bear and Toaster Act, which would have imposed heavy burdens on manufacturers and sellers of devices, sensors, and equipment capable of connecting to the internet (IoT devices).

SIA was concerned that the enactment of SB 327 would result in overly broad applications of ill-defined mandates related to data security and notification to manufacturers and sellers of devices, sensors, and equipment capable of internet connectivity.

While the bill appeared to be geared towards household consumer items and toys, the bill’s requirements as written would have applied to a nearly limitless array of devices that can connect directly or indirectly to the internet, including components of commercial and industrial systems, including security systems.

The IoT regulations bill was eventually withdrawn after wide opposition from a variety of industries.