Amazon Smart Plug
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This super simple smart plug makes it easy for the less technically savvy to add a little "smart" to their home. Plug it in, open the Alexa app, connect it, then start telling it what to do either through the app or through an Alexa device like the Echo Dot or the Sonos One. It's a plug, so telling it what to do means telling it to turn on or turn off. Turn on or off the lights, the fan, the coffee maker. Just imagine how fun it will be to tell Alexa to turn on your favorite lava lamp just by saying, "Hey Alexa, make it groovy."
What could happen if something goes wrong?
The biggest concern with this Amazon smart plug--other than someone else figuring out how to control your lights--is that Amazon loves to track device data so they can target you with custom ads. Not that Amazon doesn't already know you love coffee and your lava lamp--they do--but now they also might know when you like to turn them on and off and what music you like to listen to when you're lava lamp is on.
Can it snoop on me?
Camera
Device: No
App: Yes
Microphone
Device: No
App: Yes
Tracks location
Device: No
App: Yes
What can be used to sign up?
Can’t Determine
Phone
Can’t Determine
Third-party account
Can’t Determine
What data does the company collect?
Personal
Body related
Social
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?
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
A helper device securely shares Wi-Fi credentials to help connect it to your network.
Security updates
Does it get regular software/firmware updates?
Manages vulnerabilities
Is there a system in place for managing security vulnerabilities?
Privacy policy
Does it have a privacy policy?
Does the product use AI?
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?
Comments
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