IoT, Digital Twins, and the Future of Policymaking: A Conversation with Rob van Kranenburg

The Invisible Shift in Our Digital World

In an age where sensors track our every move, where digital twins shape industries, and where data is the new currency, who is in control? This is the pressing question Rob van Kranenburg, a leading voice in IoT policy, tackles in a thought-provoking conversation about the evolution of the digital world, the risks of unchecked data collection, and the urgent need for better governance.

In this discussion, Rob and I explored not only the technical evolution of IoT and digital twins but also the societal consequences of a fully connected world. What started as a conversation about technology quickly turned into a deeper reflection on power, control, and the future of our digital identities.

The Digital Twin Revolution - From Simple Databases to AI-Driven Ecosystems

The concept of a digital twin is not new. It began as a simple database - a static digital representation of a physical object. Over time, real-time sensor data was added, then AI-driven decision-making. Now, digital twins don’t just mirror reality - they simulate, predict, and influence it.

Rob describes the rise of digital twins as part of a larger shift towards a fully digitized world. But with great technological advancements come great ethical dilemmas. Who owns this data? How do we ensure it is used ethically and responsibly?

“At some point, all of these things are going to be tagged, and at some point, they’re going to be read out. There will be a dominant interpretation of the relationship with that object. And I was wondering then - who was writing this?” – Rob van Kranenburg

In a world where everything is monitored, the power no longer lies in having information - but in controlling how that information is interpreted and used.

Data Hoarding: The Dangerous Obsession with More

One of the most alarming takeaways from our conversation was the obsessive drive for more data. Companies collect endless streams of information without asking why - because in the world of AI and machine learning, more data always seems better.

“Why do you need this data?” I asked companies. Their answer? “We don’t care. We just want more.”

But the reality is, more data doesn’t always mean better decisions. Instead, it means:

🔴 Higher risk of security breaches
🔴 Loss of consumer trust
🔴 Regulatory nightmares (think GDPR and the challenges of data minimization)

The IoT industry is at a crossroads. Companies must decide whether to continue hoarding unnecessary data at their own risk or adopt smarter, more ethical data collection practices that prioritize user trust and security.

The Battle for Digital Identity: Who Owns Your Data?

As the world becomes increasingly digital, our identities are becoming fragmented across different platforms, services, and corporations. Rob argues that it’s time for individuals to take ownership of their digital identities through Self-Sovereign Identity.

Imagine having a digital wallet where all your credentials - passport, driver’s license, health records - are stored securely.

You control who sees what and for how long. Instead of companies hoarding unnecessary personal data, they would only receive the specific, minimal information required for a transaction.

This would reduce the risks of data breaches and give individuals more control over their digital footprints.

“We need a world where the individual controls their data. Where you can send a ‘payability token’ to an energy provider without disclosing your full identity. Where businesses only collect what they actually need. That is the future we should be building.”

But achieving this vision is not just a technical challenge - it’s a policy challenge. Governments and businesses must work together to create fair, transparent, and user-controlled digital identity frameworks.

A Radical Idea: The IoT Device That Puts You in Control

One of the boldest ideas discussed in the podcast was the concept of a European-owned IoT device - a smartphone reimagined as a secure identity hub.

Why? Because our phones have become our ultimate IoT devices - they hold our identities, our data, and our digital interactions. But today, that data is controlled by big tech companies, not by us.

What if instead, we had:

📱 A privacy-first smartphone, owned and governed by the end-users
🛡 A built-in digital wallet with self-sovereign identity
⚡ Secure AI, running locally on our own hardware
☁ A decentralized cloud powered by millions of edge devices

With 500 million Europeans using this device, it would shift the balance of power away from big tech and into the hands of individuals.

“If we control the phone, we control the ecosystem. If we own our data, we own our future.”

This is not just a tech challenge - it’s a political and economic one. It requires governments, businesses, and consumers to demand digital sovereignty.

Why Policymakers and Engineers Must Work Together

One of the biggest gaps in today’s IoT landscape is the disconnect between engineers who build technology and policymakers who regulate it.

Policymakers often lack the technical understanding to make informed regulations. Meanwhile, engineers focus on innovation without considering long-term societal implications.

“Engineers should work closely with policymakers to bridge the gap between technology and governance. Otherwise, we risk creating a world driven by technology, but without ethical safeguards.”

This is not just a technical debate - it’s a human one. If we don’t take action, our digital future will be decided for us - by corporations, by governments, or by those who seek to profit from unchecked data collection.

Final Thoughts: The Future Is Still Ours to Shape

This conversation with Rob van Kranenburg left me with one clear takeaway:

🔹 The IoT revolution is unstoppable - but its direction is still in our hands.

We have the power to:

✔ Demand ethical data practices
✔ Advocate for self-sovereign identity
✔ Push for IoT governance that serves end-users, not just corporations

The time to shape our digital future is now - before it’s shaped for us.

📢 What do you think?

Do we need a self-sovereign identity system? Should governments take back control of the IoT ecosystem? Let’s keep the conversation going. Listen to the full podcast episode and share your thoughts!