Connected objects and devices (aka the Internet of Things) are on the rise.[1] You probably have encountered an IoT object if you own a smartwatch or fitness tracker, or have a smart assistant like a Google Home. While these can be helpful gadgets, we suggest making some considerations before purchasing a smart object—check out what we have to say below!
What is the IoT?
IoT stands for Internet of Things. IoT devices are objects that combine “swaths of tiny sensors”[2] with internet connectivity. This allows for data to be sent and received by an object.[3] As these sensors become cheaper to produce and more readily available, they are being added to more devices. This is one of the reasons we are seeing an increase of devices in the IoT. The other reason we’re seeing this increase? User data (aka your data and my data!) is valuable. Companies are incorporating sensors that continuously collect our data so that they can store it, sell it, and use it for targeted advertising. While this may feel unnerving, there are still benefits to smart devices—and ways users can protect themselves from the potential privacy issues that come along with them.
Benefits to the User:
Connected objects have some positive aspects. For those with mobility needs, for example, smart home assistants and smart devices can increase the accessibility of their home.[4] The IoT has also meant we as consumers can acquire data about our everyday activities. Smart devices are constantly tracking, measuring, and analysing. With something like a smart toothbrush, brushing patterns are tracked and analysed—so if I’m constantly missing a tooth, my toothbrush will tell me—instead of my dentist telling me once I’ve developed a cavity in that tooth.
The IoT has also helped with reducing energy usage in homes and cities. For example, a smart thermostat can track energy usage—and if it has access to other data (such as if there are people at home) it can reduce unnecessary heating or cooling.[5] Similarly (but on a much larger scale) Barcelona—one of the first smart cities—has reduced energy and water usage through sensing and tracking with IoT connected devices.[6]
Issues:
There have been numerous examples of privacy violations that have occurred with the use of this technology. In the United States, for example, Amazon released ring doorbell footage to police—without the consent of the user—11 times in 2022 as of July. This presents a significant privacy concern. This could extend to other devices as well—what if conversations[7] or indoor security camera footage was released to authorities without the consent of users? There have even been incidents where Wi-Fi baby monitors have been hacked—in a particularly chilling incident in 2018, a voice threatened to kidnap a sleeping child.[8]
I don’t let these incidents completely deter me from buying smart devices—but I do ask questions before adding another smart device to my space.
What to Consider:
How much will this device improve my life?
Only you know whether this device will improve your day-to-day life. If you’re someone with mobility needs, having a smart home assistant connected to other devices in your home could greatly improve your quality of life. However, you may reconsider whether you *need* a device that can turn the lights off at your command, or whether you could just stand up and do it yourself.
What kind of data does this device collect?
Depending on what kind of information the device collects, you may feel more or less comfortable sharing this with a company. For example, you may not be bothered about your teeth brushing habits being shared, but feel uncomfortable with your location data being shared. Mozilla’s “Privacy Not Included” guide is a great resource to see what devices offer better user privacy.[9]
What are the privacy settings of this device?
Before buying the device, do some research about how privacy settings can be changed so personal data will not be shared, or will be deleted right away. For example, Amazon Alexa automatically saves all voice recordings, and stores them for an indeterminate period of time. However, settings can be easily changed so they’re deleted right away.[10]
Does this company have a reputation of violating users’ privacy?
Certain companies, such as Apple, have better reputations for protecting their users’ privacy than others.[11] It’s possible to research specific companies and whether or not they have a habit of sharing user data without consent—and to avoid these companies when possible.
What questions do you ask yourself? What are your favourite smart devices? Tell us below in the comments!
References
[1] Dahlqvist, Fredrik, et al. “Growing Opportunities in the Internet of Things.” McKinsey, McKinsey & Company, 16 Sept. 2020, https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/private-equity-and-principal-investors/our-insights/growing-opportunities-in-the-internet-of-things.
[2] “Internet of Things Definition & Meaning.” Merriam-Webster, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Internet%20of%20Things.
[3] Iozzio, Corinne. “Power to the Internet of Things.” Scientific American, Scientific American, 1 Dec. 2014, https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/power-to-the-internet-of-things/.
[4] “These Smart Home Devices Can Enhance Independence for People with Disabilities and Mobility Needs.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 23 Aug. 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-assistive-smart-home-technology-for-disabled/.
[5] Bogart, Nicole. “Can Smart Thermostats Really Help Save Money on Your Energy Bill? – National.” Global News, Global News, 1 May 2016, https://globalnews.ca/news/2670317/can-smart-thermostats-really-help-save-money-on-your-energy-bill/.
[6] “How Smart City Barcelona Brought the Internet of Things to Life.” Data-Smart City Solutions, Harvard University, 18 Feb. 2016, https://datasmart.ash.harvard.edu/news/article/how-smart-city-barcelona-brought-the-internet-of-things-to-life-789.
[7] Epstein, Kayla. “Police Think Amazon’s Alexa May Have Information on a Fatal Stabbing Case.” The Washington Post, WP Company, 3 Nov. 2019, https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2019/11/02/police-think-amazons-alexa-may-have-information-fatal-stabbing-case/.
[8] Joseph, Rebecca. “Wi-Fi Baby Monitor Hacked: Parents Wake up to Voice Threatening to Kidnap Their Child – National.” Global News, Global News, 21 Dec. 2018, https://globalnews.ca/news/4785542/wifi-baby-monitor-hacked-kidnap/.
[9] “*Privacy Not Included: A Buyer’s Guide for Connected Products.” Mozilla Foundation, https://foundation.mozilla.org/en/privacynotincluded/.
[10] “Delete Alexa Voice Recordings Automatically.” Amazon, Amazon, 2011, https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=G68KUKTXN92WY3C3.
[11] Hasselbalch, Gry, and Pernille Tranberg. “Data Ethics Is Embedded in Apple’s Business Culture · Dataetisk Tænkehandletank.” Dataetisk Tænkehandletank, 12 Apr. 2017, https://dataethics.eu/data-ethics-embedded-apples-business-culture/.
Written by: Eden Solarik
Edited by: Alex Kuskowski & Lucas Wright
Photo by: Jürgen Jester on Unsplash
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