ETSI publishes report on security, privacy and sustainability in 6G integrated sensing and communications
ETSI has released a new report examining security, privacy, trustworthiness and sustainability challenges linked to integrated sensing and communications in future 6G systems.
The European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) has published ETSI GR ISC 004, a report from its Industry Specification Group on Integrated Sensing and Communications (ISG ISAC), addressing security, privacy, trustworthiness and sustainability considerations for integrated sensing and communications in 6G networks.
Integrated sensing and communications (ISAC) enables wireless systems to both transmit data and sense their physical environment. ETSI identifies 19 key issues associated with this capability, including 15 related to security and privacy and four focused on sustainability.
The report outlines risks such as unauthorised use of 6G systems for sensing, target-based eavesdropping, over-the-air signal manipulation and improper access to sensing data. It also examines requirements for secure transport, storage and integrity of sensing information, as well as privacy safeguards when sensing involves individuals, including those not directly connected to the network.
Additional considerations include confidentiality in sensitive or non-public environments and the role of AI in processing sensing data. On sustainability, the report addresses power consumption, spectrum efficiency, environmental impact and potential health aspects linked to expanded sensing capabilities.
ETSI states that the document consolidates technical and non-technical requirements intended to inform the design of secure, privacy-preserving and environmentally sustainable 6G ISAC systems. The report is expected to support further standardisation discussions as work on 6G architectures progresses.
