Watch out, your house is eavesdropping with Amazon Alexa listening

TLDR:

• One in 10 smart home apps track user data, with Amazon Alexa and Google being the most data-hungry
• Privacy concerns arise as personal data linked to specific user profiles is collected and potentially shared with third parties

In an era of increasing digitalization, the privacy of smart home users is at risk as more connected devices collect personal data. A study by Surfshark reveals that Amazon Alexa and Google top the list of data-hungry devices, with Alexa collecting 28 out of 32 possible data points. This includes sensitive information like location, contact details, and health data, all linked to individual user profiles. The study also highlights concerns about transparency and compliance with privacy laws, as some apps have not updated their data collection practices in over a year.

The widespread collection of sensitive data raises the potential for user privacy compromise and exploitation. To protect their privacy, individuals are advised to actively manage app permissions, utilize privacy settings, and update apps regularly. Avoiding data-hungry devices whenever possible, reviewing privacy settings, and using a VPN for added security are recommended steps to safeguard personal information in the digital age.