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How many times has it happened that you purchased a smart device and when you tried to pair it with another device, such as a TV, phone, or car, you discovered that the password is either 0000, 1234, or both? The UK thinks the answer is too much – and plans to fight the problem with a new law.
Fines up to a million pound
The British government has introduced a new law called “Product Infrastructure and Communications Infrastructure Act”. This law aims to encourage stricter information security standards from manufacturers of smart products. It applies to all smart products, including smartphones, smart TVs and IoT devices.
The new law is supposed to prevent the makers of these smart products from using very basic slogans that are not to say silly by default in their products. This situation is dangerous for all users, as most passwords are posted online and accessible to everyone. These passwords allow anyone to gain access to many devices without any knowledge or sophistication. This access could also be used to break into the home network and other devices.
In addition, the law will require manufacturers to meet security standards set by the UK’s Office of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. There will also be a reporting obligation in which companies must report to users, distributors, British government and importers any security vulnerabilities found in their products.
A statement from the British Government’s official website said that a new regulatory body would be set up for its enforcement, which would be its whole purpose, and that it could impose fines of up to £ 10 million – or up to 4% of their total revenue (international, not just UK) – For rebellious companies that have not addressed their security threats. Every day of delay in treatment – beyond the date assigned to them by the new body – will cost companies around £ 20,000.
Julia Lopez, Minister for Digital Infrastructure, and a British MP announced the promotion of the law. She stated that the law would put a firewall against all technological products, from smart phones, thermostats, smart dishwashers, and baby monitors, and will result in heavy fines for all who do not comply with the new security standard.