Any IoT Ecosystem in India Would Need Regulation to Avert Security Risks: Qualcomm

When it comes to IoT, Qualcomm has been one of the nigh remarkable names in the industry, exist it the development of AI-enabled chips for connected devices to network modems.

Take for example the introduction of the Qualcomm Vision Intelligence platform for powering smart home devices and the announcement of the high-finish Snapdragon 820E embedded platform for IoT developers, the chipmaker is betting information technology big on the IoT ecosystem, but the visitor also realizes the possibility of security risks associated with smart home devices.

The company'southward focus on IoT security was reiterated today past Rahul Patel, Senior Vice President and Full general Manager of Connectivity at Qualcomm. At the Qualcomm IoT Day event today, we spoke to Patel about the potential for IoT, adoption of smart home devices in India and security in such devices.

Patel was articulate that security is of paramount importance and needs to be taken seriously at all levels

If you actually desire to benefit from IoT, the security cannot be compromised. And it is very simple as that. At that place are roads, and they are available to utilize, simply you cannot bulldoze on the incorrect side. If you drive by the incorrect side, yous are gonna exist policed. Brand sure you abide past the rules. Same is the case with security. You tin can bring out products, but you cannot compromise on what's needed to provide a secure experience.

With proliferation of IoT devices, some are calling for government regulation around the technology, every bit it poses grave security risks, far greater when it comes to smart domicile cameras and other automation devices. These tin not but monitor activities but will collect tons of personal data across what a typical smartphone is capable of.

"The government needs to enforce that (security). The government needs to agree people accountable who compromise on security. There is a need for penalties and remedies to preclude security invasion", Patel said.

Of class government regulations accept their pitfalls likewise, in terms of potential privacy invasion and surveillance, likewise as data leakage. Merely that'south the case with bad security likewise, and that impacts marketplace entreatment to a far greater extent.

At some point, information technology will (bear upon). Unless the correct security is deployed, people volition end using information technology. They have to become down that path. Otherwise, people or policy makers volition need to be held answerable.

We also asked Patel whether Qualcomm and Reliance Jio are collaborating on IoT projects under the new JioGigaFiber smart dwelling house project, and whether the Mukesh Ambani-led company tin can again disrupt this space as it did in the telecom sector.

While he didn't speak of any partnership with Reliance or Jio, he did acknowledge the company'southward power to calibration up IoT solutions in India. "I do believe they are admittedly capable of doing the right things. And I also believe, it's just a matter of time. It's not just about resources, it'southward about having the intent. You know, Reliance has, kind of, demonstrated the intent of making things happen. Again, I am speculating whether they volition exercise certain things in the future, but based on the recent history, looks like they may."