Complexity of IoT technologies: European regulations in progress and patterns of customer communication

Internet of Things devices generate ecosystems that enter the households of customers and infuence their everyday life. Therefore, in building these technologies, manufacturers are called upon to assess the cultural and digital context and the effect of digitalisation in end-users, who e[pect products to be trustworthy, safe, and compliant with the needs brought up by a fast-changing digital world. The European Union is adopting a multidisciplinary approach in the attempt to regulate a highly horizontal matter, impacting people and markets. The article analyses the last legislative proposals, balancing the right of consumers and the efforts required to manufacturers to comply with a responsible approach to these technologies. Building a trusting communication channel between stakeholders may be the only feasible approach, as legislative solutions can help but rarely will be (alone) able to solve all issues related to such a pervasive technology.