Door knockers are cool, but so old-fashioned. Door bells are neat, but so analog. Welcome to 24-hour surveillance on your doorstep. Calling this a doorbell is a bit misleading. It’s an HD-video, two-way audio, motion sensor, infrared night vision, 24/7 streaming device that lets you see, hear, and speak to people at your door from your phone or computer. It even lets your pre-recorded messages so you can tell the UPS guy to leave that package behind the bush. Ah, but is the end near for "knock knock" jokes.
What could happen if something goes wrong?
Nest is owned by Google, which means they have the full force of Google behind their security features, which is a good thing. It also has the full force of Google behind its privacy features and Google wants to learn as much about you as it can. So while video recordings, Voice recordings, and home environment sensor readings won't be used to target you with ads, transcripts of your voice interactions may. That's why it's always good to take time to lock down your privacy settings. Also, you could catch your neighbor dancing naked on cam in front of their window and then never be able to look at them the same ever again, making those neighborhood BBQs quite awkward. One more thing, Google's own device chief says homeowners should warn guests they near a microphone (or video camera) potentially recording them when they visit your home if you own a device like this. We think that is good advice.
Can it snoop on me?
Camera
Device: Yes
App: Yes
Microphone
Device: Yes
App: Yes
Tracks location
Device: Yes
App: Yes
What can be used to sign up?
Yes
Phone
No
Third-party account
Yes
What data does the company collect?
Personal
Name, email, phone number
Body related
Voice recordings, face match
Social
Contacts
How does the company use this data?
How can you control your data?
What is the company’s known track record of protecting users’ data?
In 2018, personal information was exposed in several incidents, resulting from access by app developers, exposure by mobile apps, or a bug in Google + API. Google has also stored location data without permission.
Can this product be used offline?
User-friendly privacy information?
Links to privacy information
Does this product meet our Minimum Security Standards?
Encryption
Uses encryption in transit and at rest.
Strong password
Security updates
Manages vulnerabilities
Google has a Security Rewards program, which means that anyone who finds a security issue and discloses it responsibly may get paid. https://www.google.com/about/appsecurity/programs-home/
Privacy policy
All things Nest have been moved over to the Google Store. Google has a page detailing their privacy principles for Nest products.
Does the product use AI?
Google publishes academic papers about it's AI research (https://ai.google/) and makes several tools available via open source.
Is this AI untrustworthy?
What kind of decisions does the AI make about you or for you?
Is the company transparent about how the AI works?
Does the user have control over the AI features?
Dive Deeper
-
Video Doorbell Cameras GuideAliza Vigderman and Gabe Turner
-
Nest Cams HijackedWired
-
The doorbells have eyes: The privacy battle brewing over home security camerasWashington Post
-
Google exec says Nest owners should probably warn their guests that their conversations are being recordedBusiness Insider
Comments
Got a comment? Let us hear it.