Simplisafe Video Doorbell Pro

Simplisafe Video Doorbell Pro

Simplisafe
Wi-Fi

Review date: Nov. 8, 2021

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Mozilla says

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People voted: Somewhat creepy

DIY security systems are so hot right now. Simplisafe offers a plethora of motion sensors, water sensors, panic buttons, and now this video doorbell. It comes with the usual features -- HD-video, motion alerts, night vision, pan and zoom, streaming to your phone via an app that lets you record with the push of a button. They even use "intelligent detection algorithms" that can determine the heat signature of a human and only send alerts that matter. Use the Simplisafe app on your phone, tablet, or computer to keep tabs on everything all the time. You'll need the optional subscription plan to record, store, and share those video clips.

What could happen if something goes wrong?

Simplisafe seems fairly safe when it comes to your privacy and security of their indoor and outdoor security cameras. They say they don’t sell of monetize user’s personal information
“in the traditional sense (i.e., get paid to share your personal information).” That sounds funny, but it’s mostly legalese required to explain things under privacy laws. They do say they share personal information with third parties for things like SimpliSafe’s Amazon Alexa Skill, Apple Watch, or Google Assistant. All these third parties also have their own privacy policies you’ll need to pay attention to. So many privacy policies!

Simplisafe doesn’t provide the option for local storage on their security cams, which is a bummer because that tends to be safer than Cloud storage. And while videos are automatically deleted from storage after 30 days, it’s not clear if you can go in and delete them yourself before then. What would happen if something goes wrong? You want to delete a video a neighbor asked you to take down, find you can't, email Simplisafe to ask them to take it down, they eventually do but now you're signed up to their email list even though you didn't want that.

Tips to protect yourself

  • mobile

Can it snoop on me? information

Camera

Device: Yes

App: Yes

Microphone

Device: Yes

App: Yes

Tracks location

Device: Yes

App: Yes

What can be used to sign up?

What data does the company collect?

How does the company use this data?

Simplisafe does not sell or monetize its users’ personal information in the traditional sense (i.e., get paid to share your personal information). However, it may be still selling it in the sense outlined in CCPA. The company says that ""the CCPA defines the term “sale” very broadly, and it likely includes the sharing of personal information with third parties."" SimpliSafe may share information with such third-party partners with your permission. Any SimpliSafe data that you choose to share with a third party, either directly or by or on behalf of SimpliSafe through the authorizations, integrations and connections permitted hereunder, is governed by that third party’s privacy policy while in that party’s possession.

How can you control your data?

Simplisafe mentions the right to delete data for Californian residents. It is also compliant to EU-U.S. Privacy Shield Framework. For others, no deletion rights are mentioned.

What is the company’s known track record of protecting users’ data?

Average

In 2019, the YouTube channel LockPickingLawyer demonstrated how SimpliSafe’s home security system could be compromised by an $2 wireless emitter that mimics the frequency of its door and window contact sensors. Simplisafe disputed the says.

Can this product be used offline?

No

User-friendly privacy information?

No

Simplisafe lets you know in the privacy policy that you may be required to post a notice about your camera, depending on the privacy laws in your state.

Links to privacy information

Does this product meet our Minimum Security Standards? information

Yes

Encryption

Yes

The SS3 version uses encryption.

Strong password

Yes

Simplisafe rate-limits login attempts by account and IP address.

Security updates

Yes

Manages vulnerabilities

Yes

Simplisafe encourages responsible security vulnerability reporting. https://support.simplisafe.com/hc/en-us/articles/360040090812-How-do-I-report-a-possible-security-issue-in-the-system-

Privacy policy

Yes

Does the product use AI? information

Yes

Is this AI untrustworthy?

Can’t Determine

What kind of decisions does the AI make about you or for you?

Person detection through computer vision implementation.

Is the company transparent about how the AI works?

Can’t Determine

Does the user have control over the AI features?

Can’t Determine

*Privacy Not Included

Dive Deeper

  • SimpliSafe vs. Ring: Which home security system is better?
    CNET Link opens in a new tab
  • Student finds privacy flaws in connected security and doorbell cameras
    Tech Explore Link opens in a new tab
  • SimpliSafe’s home security system can be compromised by a $2 wireless emitter
    Cameron Faulkner Link opens in a new tab

Comments

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