Powered by Lexis+®
View all Glossary Terms Related Content
CASE STUDY
“It's hard to quantify, right now. But at a guess, I'd say it's probably more than 50% faster, at times. It's literally that quick. We've found to be an essential practical tool. We're very satisfied.”
Walsall CouncilAccess all documents on Pervasive computing
Pervasive computing meaning
What does Pervasive computing mean?
Pervasive computing describes computing and networking embedded in everyday objects and environments. In legal practice it refers to connected, sensor‑equipped devices in homes, offices and public spaces (for example fridges, washing machines, vehicles and building systems) that process data and communicate their location and status (pervasive communications). Also known as ubiquitous computing and commonly discussed as the Internet of Things (IoT).
The term is not defined in UK or Irish legislation or case law; it is a descriptive expression used across data protection, cybersecurity, telecoms and consumer/product liability.
Key legal features are continuous, ambient data collection (including personal and location data), connectivity and interoperability, remote updates and mixed edge/cloud processing. Typical issues include privacy‑by‑design, DPIAs, transparency, lawful basis, security‑by‑design, patching, supply‑chain obligations and allocation of liability.
Jurisdictions: In England & Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, compliance primarily sits under the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018, PECR, product safety law and the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act 2022 (security of consumer connectable products). In Ireland, the GDPR and ePrivacy rules apply alongside EU product and cybersecurity regimes (including NIS2 and the Radio Equipment Directive). Contracts commonly address data sharing, service levels, firmware support, security standards and insurance.
Speed up all aspects of your legal work with tools that help you to work faster and smarter. Win cases, close deals and grow your business–all whilst saving time and reducing risk.
View the related Practice Notes about Pervasive computing
PRACTICE NOTES
EU IoT legal issues: telecoms, APIs, IP and SEPs, standards/interoperability, competition, consumer rights, product safety/liability, accessibility, contracting (excluding data protection and cybersecurity)
The Internet of Things (IoT) The Internet of Things refers to everyday items—not just conventional computing kit like laptops and mobiles—connected to the internet. Related terms include connected devices, smart objects, the internet of services, machine‑to‑machine (M2M) technology, sensor networks, the network of networks, and pervasive or ubiquitous computing. IoT covers objects as varied as running shoes, buildings, cars, fridge‑freezers and drones. With embedded technology, these items can interact and share data online with one another, the user, the service provider and/or their environment, and they can be monitored and controlled remotely. This Practice Note introduces IoT technology in the EU and considers: The technology underpinning the IoT Identifying the legal issues Application programming interfaces (APIs) Telecommunications and electrical equipment Intellectual property—overview Intellectual property ownership and licensing issues Competition law Consumer protection Product safety and liability Compliance requirements The appropriate contracting model Additional legal issues This Practice Note does not address...
21 May
Read More 
PRACTICE NOTES
Internet of Things: telecoms and electrical equipment regulation, APIs, IP and SEPs/FRAND, competition, consumer and product safety/liability, contracting and future issues—excluding data protection (UK and EU)
The Internet of Things (IoT) The Internet of Things (IoT) describes everyday items—beyond laptops and smartphones—connected to the internet. Related terms include connected devices, smart objects, the internet of services, machine-to-machine (M2M), sensor networks, the network of networks, and pervasive or ubiquitous computing. IoT applies to running shoes, buildings, cars, fridge-freezers and drones. With embedded technology, such items exchange data and interact online with each other, the user, the service provider and/or their environment, and can be monitored and controlled remotely. This Practice Note introduces IoT and considers: the technology underlying the IoT identifying the legal issues application programming interfaces (APIs) telecommunications and electrical equipment intellectual property—overview, ownership and licensing competition law consumer protection liability and fault compliance requirements the appropriate contracting model future legal issues This Practice Note does not cover data protection, privacy or cybersecurity; these are addressed separately in Practice Note: Internet of...
21 May
Read More 
