State of the connected world 2020

Spurred by continued technological advancement, the world today is more connected than ever. This presents a tremendous opportunity to build a more sustainable and prosperous future for all, but it also introduces new risks and governance challenges in areas such as
security, privacy and the fair distribution of benefits. The global COVID-19 pandemic has made this abundantly clear. COVID-19 has
highlighted the essential role the internet of things (IoT) has come to play in our lives. IoT applications such as connected
thermal cameras, contact tracing devices and health-monitoring wearables are providing critical data needed to help fight the disease. while temperature sensors and parcel tracking will help ensure that sensitive COVID-19 vaccines are distributed safely. Yet the use of IoT in fighting the pandemic has also shed light on concerns about its security, privacy, interoperability and equity. This inaugural report on the state of the connected world was initiated by the World Economic Forum and the Global IoT Council, which consists of key
stakeholders from the global IoT industry in the public and private sectors and civil society. It aims to take a comprehensive
look at the most pressing opportunities and challenges facing the IoT ecosystem based on extensive multistakeholder
input and discussions. Our research makes clear that we are at a pivotal moment, when the development, use
and governance of these technologies is rapidly changing and evolving.