Think Twice: Tech Gifts That Could Compromise Privacy and Security
The holiday season is the perfect time to splurge on exciting new tech gifts for family and friends. From AI-enabled gadgets to tracking devices for kids, there’s a high-tech gift to suit everyone on your list. However, while these gifts can seem convenient or entertaining, they may also pose unexpected risks to your privacy and security.
At the 2023 CES electronics exhibition, Jen Easterly, the director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), expressed concerns about how many tech companies prioritize speed to market over user safety. She explained that companies are often more focused on cost, capability, and performance than on developing safety features proactively.
In today’s digital age, it’s more important than ever to scrutinize tech products before gifting them. Here’s a look at some tech gifts to avoid and tips for making safer tech purchases.
1. Camera-Enabled Devices With Weak Privacy Policies
Camera-enabled devices have surged in popularity, but they come with inherent risks. From doorbell cameras to smart home assistants, these gadgets allow users to monitor and interact with their surroundings remotely. Unfortunately, if these devices lack robust security protocols, they can become windows for hackers to peer into your private life.
Why It’s a Problem
Smart cameras continuously capture video and audio data, which is often sent to the cloud. If a camera lacks proper encryption or has a vague privacy policy, this data could be intercepted by unauthorized parties. Hackers gaining access to your camera can reveal sensitive details about your daily routines, allowing them to deduce when you're home or away. In some cases, compromised devices have even been used by intruders to harass or eavesdrop on unsuspecting users.
Safer Alternatives
If you’re set on gifting a camera-enabled device, look for models with end-to-end encryption, strong privacy policies, and the ability to control where data is stored. Additionally, check if the device offers customizable security settings that let users limit data collection and sharing.
2. AI-Integrated Gadgets That Over-Collect Personal Data
Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered devices can make life more convenient and enjoyable. From robotic vacuums that map your home layout to smart speakers that learn your habits, these products are designed to simplify everyday tasks. However, these “smart” devices often require access to vast amounts of personal data to function effectively, making them potential targets for cyber threats.
Real-Life Examples
In 2022, images from iRobot’s AI-enabled Roomba were leaked online. Although iRobot claimed that test users consented to data collection, this incident highlighted the risks of AI devices that gather intimate details about your surroundings. Similarly, many AI devices lack transparency regarding how they use your data, leaving consumers in the dark.
Safer Shopping Tips
Before buying an AI-integrated gift, review the company’s privacy policy carefully. Look for options that allow users to control data collection settings or, better yet, devices that limit data sharing altogether. If a company is not transparent about how it uses or protects personal data, it’s best to choose another product.
3. Tracking Devices for Kids: Convenience with Hidden Dangers
Keeping track of your child’s location is a top priority for many parents, which is why child-tracking devices are an appealing gift. However, while these gadgets may provide peace of mind, they come with significant privacy concerns. If not adequately secured, they can expose children’s real-time location to hackers, stalkers, or third-party advertisers.
Privacy Concerns
In 2021, Life360, a popular family safety app, was found to be selling user location data to third-party data brokers. For parents who believed the app was solely for family security, this was a stark reminder of the potential risks involved in using tracking devices.
A Safer Approach
Instead of a separate tracking device, consider using location-sharing features that are built into smartphones, such as Google’s Family Link or Apple’s Find My, which both use end-to-end encryption. These options provide similar functionality without as many privacy risks.
4. Genetic Testing Kits: Fascinating but Risky
Genetic testing kits, like those from 23andMe or Ancestry.com, are increasingly popular holiday gifts for those interested in exploring their ancestry or learning more about their health. However, once you provide a DNA sample, you give away highly personal information that not only affects you but also impacts your family and future generations.
Security Risks and Privacy Concerns
In 2023, hackers accessed genetic data from nearly 7 million 23andMe users. Other companies, like Veritas and Ancestry.com, have also experienced breaches, underscoring the vulnerability of storing sensitive genetic data online. Beyond hacking, there are ethical concerns about law enforcement’s access to DNA databases, which could implicate relatives in criminal investigations without their consent.
Proceed With Caution
If you decide to gift a genetic testing kit, make sure the recipient is aware of the privacy implications. Consider exploring companies that offer more stringent data protection measures or allow users to retain control over how their data is used.
5. Smart Home Assistants That Constantly Listen
Voice-activated home assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple’s Siri have become household staples, offering hands-free convenience for daily tasks. However, their always-listening functionality means they are constantly capturing audio data, which may be stored on the cloud and accessible to the device manufacturer.
Privacy Implications
These devices can sometimes misinterpret sounds as commands, unintentionally recording conversations. If compromised, smart assistants may reveal sensitive information, posing a potential threat to your privacy.
Safer Shopping Suggestions
Look for devices with built-in privacy controls, such as the ability to mute the microphone or clear recorded data periodically. Ensure the recipient understands how to adjust privacy settings to minimize data collection.
6. Toys and Gadgets That Use Facial Recognition
Children’s toys are becoming more advanced, incorporating facial recognition and AI to respond to children’s moods and actions. While these features might seem exciting, they also bring potential risks, as facial recognition data can be hacked or misused.
Potential Risks
A playful robot that uses facial recognition may seem like an innovative toy, but if the data it collects is stored insecurely, it could be accessed by third parties. In some cases, facial recognition data may even be sold to advertisers.
A Safer Choice
If you’re set on purchasing a tech toy, opt for one that doesn’t require extensive data collection to operate. Many educational tech toys are available that provide interactive learning experiences without tracking biometric information.
Shopping Smart: How to Choose Safer Tech Gifts
Gifting tech products can be tricky in today’s privacy-conscious world. Here are a few general tips to keep in mind as you shop:
- **Review Privacy Policies:** Always read the privacy policy to understand how a product handles user data.
- **Opt for End-to-End Encryption:** For devices that collect data, choose ones that offer end-to-end encryption to protect against unauthorized access.
- **Look for Customizable Security Settings:** Devices that let users control data-sharing settings offer a greater degree of privacy.
- **Check for Regular Software Updates:** Security threats are constantly evolving, so look for tech products from companies that release regular security updates.
Final Thoughts: Give the Gift of Security
While technology can offer convenience, education, and entertainment, it’s essential to consider privacy and security implications before purchasing high-tech gifts. By making informed choices and choosing devices that prioritize security, you can help your loved ones enjoy their new gadgets without compromising their safety. This holiday season, think twice about tech gifts, and focus on products that respect privacy and security.
