Study reveals privacy risks of smart home cameras
In the era of connected devices, smart home cameras are transforming how we monitor our homes. Yet, a recent study reveals troubling privacy risks lurking behind these technological conveniences.

Smart home cameras have become a staple for security-conscious households, offering peace of mind by monitoring both indoor and outdoor spaces. However, new research by Surfshark exposes alarming privacy concerns, showing that these devices collect far more user data than necessary. Outdoor security camera apps top the list, gathering an average of 12 data points, including sensitive information such as precise location, email addresses, and payment details which is 50% more than other smart devices.
Indoor camera apps are slightly less invasive but still problematic, collecting an average of nine data points, including audio data and purchase histories. Some apps, like those from Arlo, Deep Sentinel, and D-Link, even extract contact information unnecessarily, raising serious questions about user consent and safety. The absence of robust privacy regulations leaves users vulnerable to data breaches, cyberattacks, and misuse of personal information.
Experts recommend limiting data-sharing permissions, using strong passwords, and regularly updating privacy settings to mitigate risks. Options such as enabling local storage instead of cloud services and employing a VPN can further protect against data leaks. While smart cameras bring convenience, they highlight the urgent need for clearer regulations to safeguard consumer privacy in the era of connected technology.