A report that describes developments in information and communications technology that supports the collection, connection and analysis of data through sensing and monitoring.

This report explores developments in information and communications technology (ICT) that support the collection, connection and analysis of data through sensing and monitoring. Sensors are parts of all machines that gather data and have an integral role in subsequent processing and transport of data. Monitoring is a process that observes a state in time or tracks changes in data sets to derive information. Together,sensing and monitoring provide a mechanism for harvesting digital data. This growth in digital data is being used to drive changes in production and distribution processes and the reach of services in the Australian economy.
Sensor developments in miniaturisation and the integration of sensors into intelligent devices and systems have increased the capacity to measure, analyse and aggregate data at a very localised level. Built on the increasing capabilities of fixed-access and wireless networks, smart sensor developments allow the collection of raw data, which is processed into information and conveyed via a network connection. Data processing capabilities have also been streamlined and automated through the use of data centres and pattern recognition processes that allow near real-time data mining and analysis. Using the infrastructure of the internet and machine-to-machine communications has allowed the connection of more devices and transfer of more information not directly controlled or monitored by humans.
The exponential increase in the number of devices with digital connectivity will require new connection and management processes. Addressing and identifying a population of potentially tens of billions of devices requires reliable, scalable and flexible systems to work between industry entities and consumers. The combination of these technology developments means that information is now gathered from more human and machine-based sources, and analysed and disseminated than ever before.
Information harvesting through sensing and monitoring is increasingly pervasive in many aspects of day-to-day life and is being used to drive changes in life-supporting sectors such as food, health, energy, environment, and entertainment and social engagement.
Identity management of millions of autonomous mobile sensor devices in a global environment presents challenges for sensor network operators and device life-cycle management. Dealing with 'smart junk‘, or the accumulation of lost or rogue devices without a traceable identity, is one of the challenges in managing device and data growth. Trusted relationships between consumers and industry will need to be extended to devices in this environment.
Data ownership, privacy, longevity of access and use are all potential issues in the provision of services to consumers in a smart digital economy. Consumers are also becoming increasingly aware of invasions to privacy through direct harvesting of information by application and service providers.
While sensing and monitoring data may empower people to make better decisions in real time, if information systems are not transparent and understood by citizens these decisions may be regarded as coerced rather than empowering. The ACMA will continue to monitor activities in the harvesting and use of information by services applications