Primal Pappachan from Pennsylvania State University, Roberto Yus from Baltimore County, and the University of Maryland have warned people that they are being scanned by digital devices every day. Unfortunately, some of the devices scanning you could be inside your refrigerators, offices, cars, televisions and other seemingly harmless gadgets.
These devices typically need internet connections to gather information on your movements and choices. For instance, a smart thermostat requires a connection to the internet to check the current weather and compare it with your current habits to decide the right temperature for you.
While this example might seem valuable and straightforward, it is not always this way. The researchers state that such gadgets follow us everywhere, including our offices and malls.
The team reports that in 2018, the number of devices connected to the internet was 22 billion. This number could grow tremendously as technology and living standards improve. The researchers believe that the number of devices with internet connection in 2030 will be at least 50 billion.
Smart devices like Alexa are becoming more popular due to the assistance they provide in homes. However, what most people don’t realise is that the gadgets have microphones and cameras to record your movements.
While this isn’t surprising for a home assistant like Alexa, many people would be surprised by how many gadgets in their homes are tracking them. Smart devices that could track you at home include vacuums cleaners, light bulbs, and smart TVs.
Many manufacturers are open about the microphones and cameras in their devices. Some try to reassure their customers by telling them that their information won’t end up in the wrong place. Despite their reassurance, this isn’t always true.
The researchers note that most devices connected to the internet aren’t secure. Furthermore, allowing companies to share people’s information on the internet could leave them vulnerable to hackers.
There is no easy fix for people who use smart devices since many can’t function without an internet connection. In addition, they don’t give you the option of privacy over connectivity.
Researchers advise people to update their software and disable data connections regularly.