Shining light on the dark side of ambient intelligence

Purpose – To identify safeguards against threats and vulnerabilities posed by the emerging world of ambient intelligence. Design/methodology/approach – Dark scenarios were constructed to highlight the threats and vulnerabilities; safeguards are identified to address those threats and vulnerabilities and recommendations for specific stakeholders are made for implementing those safeguards. Findings – A multiplicity of threats and vulnerabilities can be expected in the emerging world of ambient intelligence, and a multiplicity of safeguards are similarly necessary to address those. Research limitations/implications – Additional technological research is necessary in order to develop some of the safeguards envisaged as necessary. Practical implications – The existing legal and regulatory regime suffers from various lacunae and must be amended to address AmI challenges. Many stakeholders have important roles to play. Originality/value – The paper identifies necessary safeguards to protect privacy, identity, trust, security and e‐inclusion. It identifies specific recommendations for the European Commission, Member States, industry, civil society organizations, academia and individuals.