You wish you could see exactly what data your smart thermostat is collecting and how uses this information? Would you like to know what your video doorbell knows about who visits your home and when? Wondering who can see the map of your bedroom generated by the robot vacuum you're using? Or would you at least like to know that no one else knows this personal information of yours?
Today, the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA), announced the formation of a new Working Group on Data Protection (Data Privacy Working Group). The group will develop global “Data Privacy Specifications” to certify the data privacy of smart devices and the services they use, and to provide information on how that data is used in a clear, easy-to-understand way — that is, without requiring you to read thousands of words in privacy policies or simply trust companies like Amazon, Google, Samsung and others with this data.
“We intend to support customers to understand better what data is collected, how it is used and whether it complies with existing privacy requirements”, states a statement published today on the CSA website.
"By acting as an advocate on behalf of consumers, the Alliance can provide guidance on every aspect and act as an advocate for justice."
"We aim to support customers to better understand what data is collected, how it is used and whether it complies with existing privacy requirements."
Data is modern gold. Everyone wants one, there are many who want to sell them, and most of the time, we would like to keep them for ourselves. When you plan to put connected devices in your home and you do click by “I agree” to these privacy policies, you are simply providing your data. You may receive useful services in return, but that doesn't mean you should give them to anyone who asks for them in exchange for a convenience.
To date, there is no single legal framework that limits the data collected by your smart home devices or how they are used. The new CSA task force aims to solve this problem and wants to create a simple framework detailing how companies will use your data, but also how they must tell you about it.
