The smart home market is booming, with millions of users expected to embrace these devices by 2028. But convenience comes at a price: our privacy. A recent study, “Smart Home Privacy Checker” by Surfshark’s research hub, reveals a disturbing trend: one in ten smart home apps collect data for tracking purposes.
The study, which analyzed 290 apps connected to over 400 Internet of Things (IoT) devices, uncovered a disturbing reality. Tech giants like Amazon and Google, with their vast user bases, are the most data-hungry. Amazon’s Alexa app collects an alarming 28 out of 32 possible data points, including precise location, contact information, and health-related data, while Google’s smart home devices collect 22 data points, well above the average. This extensive data collection poses significant risks to user privacy and can be exploited for targeted advertising or, worse, for malicious purposes.
The study found that many apps track users for targeted advertising and share information with third parties and data brokers. Outdoor security cameras are particularly data-hungry, collecting on average 12 data points, 50% more than other devices. Apps like Deep Sentinel and Lorex contribute to this high data collection.
Even more troubling, the study discovered that 12 out of the 290 analyzed apps haven’t updated their data collection practices in over a year, raising concerns about transparency and compliance with privacy laws. Apps like MekaMon and Cozmo, which control children’s toys, collect sensitive information such as precise location, photos, and audio recordings, highlighting the vulnerability of young users.
“Consumers need to think about the personal information they’re giving up before purchasing a smart device, especially when data is shared with third parties,” advises Darius Belejevas, a cybersecurity expert from Incogni. “Our study shows that one in ten smart home apps track user data, which can lead to loss of control over personal information, increased risk of security breaches, and unwanted targeted ads.”
As smart home devices become increasingly integrated into our lives, we must remain vigilant about our privacy and the potential risks associated with these technologies. Users are urged to actively manage their privacy settings, review app permissions, and stay informed about the data policies of their smart home devices. Only by understanding the implications of data collection can we ensure that our homes remain our private sanctuaries.
