SIA Applauds Senate Commerce Passage of DIGIT Act

The bill would direct the Secretary of Commerce to convene a governmental working group to address the federal government’s role in the proliferation of the Internet of Things.

Silver Spring, Md. — The Security Industry Association (SIA) welcomed unanimous approval by the Senate Commerce Committee Wednesday of S. 2607, the Developing Innovation and Growing Internet of Things (DIGIT) Act, bipartisan legislation that directs the Secretary of Commerce to convene a governmental working group to address the federal government’s role in the proliferation of the Internet of Things (IoT).

Earlier this week, SIA wrote to the Committee to express its strong support of the legislation, sponsored by Sens. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H., Cory Booker, D-N.J., and Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii. Sen. Fischer, the bill’s chief sponsor, recognized SIA as a key supporting organizationin a press release.

SIA members recognize the profound impact of IoT in allowing devices to perform better, smarter and in a more coordinated fashion, especially within the physical security arena. By 2025, studies show that the IoT is expected to economically contribute up to $11 trillion per year globally. The growth potential is exciting for both public and private sectors, and we support policies that allow for the innovation, proliferation and ubiquitous deployment of IoT technologies, and the continued leadership of the United States in this industry.

“SIA applauds the provision highlighting the wide range of IoT issues under the working group’s directed report. Specifically, we feel that ensuring privacy and security is of paramount importance since it could become a potential barrier to successful deployment of IoT technologies. As the Department of Commerce convenes the working group to examine issues related to IoT and produce its report, the security industry should be represented in the nongovernmental steering committee. SIA member companies strive develop technology solutions that incorporate privacy by design, protecting personally identifiable information from design to manufacture to implementation and deployment,” SIA CEO Don Erickson wrote in the letter.

Erickson also expressed approval for inclusion of the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the DIGIT Act working group, as standardization is critical to successfully IoT deployment. “Beneficial expertise at NIST has provided advanced encryption standards, along with data storage guidance for end-user devices that are widely-utilized by our members,” he added.

SIA urges Senate leadership to take up the bill and further consideration by the House, which does not yet introduced a companion bill.

About the Security Industry Association (SIA)

The Security Industry Association (SIA) (https://www.securityindustry.org) is the leading trade association for electronic and physical security solution providers, with roughly 650 innovative member companies representing more than 400,000 security leaders and experts who shape the future of the security industry. SIA protects and advances its members’ interests by advocating pro-industry policies and legislation at the federal and state levels; creating open industry standards that enable integration; advancing industry professionalism through education and training; opening global market opportunities; and collaboration with other like-minded organizations. As a proud sponsor of ISC Events expos and conferences, and owner of the Securing New Ground® conference, SIA ensures its members have access to top-level buyers and influencers, as well as unparalleled learning and network opportunities.

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