Google Nest Hello Video Doorbell
Google
Wi-Fi
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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.
mobile
Privacy
Security
A.I.
Security
A.I.
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?
News
Video Doorbell Cameras Guide
Knock knock. Who’s there? With video doorbells, you’ll never have to ask this question again. Rather, you’ll be able to answer your door from anywhere in the world through its mobile application, seeing and speaking to your visitor as if you’re there in person. While video doorbells, otherwise known as doorbell cameras, are a relatively new product compared to traditional security cameras, they’re becoming increasingly popular, but how do you know which one is right for you? At Security.org, we test out doorbell cameras to make sure they’re high-quality, and we’re sharing our knowledge with you here.
Nest Cams Hijacked
Dozens of Nest camera owners this week heard a disembodied voice insist that they subscribe to PewDiePie's YouTube channel. On Sunday, a voice emanating from a Nest security camera told a family of three that North Korean missiles were en route to Ohio, Chicago, and Los Angeles. In December, a couple was startled out of bed when they heard sexual expletives coming from their baby's room over a monitor. Then they heard a hacker's voice on their Nest cameras, saying "I’m going to kidnap your baby, I’m in your baby’s room."
The doorbells have eyes: The privacy battle brewing over home security cameras
Police want to register — and even subsidize — private security cameras. That’s just the start of the ethical challenges ahead.
Google exec says Nest owners should probably warn their guests that their conversations are being recorded
Google devices chief Rick Osterloh said he believes anyone "in proximity" of a microphone-fitted smart device like Google Nest or Amazon Echo should be informed the devices are in use.
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