Heating, airing, showering and lack of IT security: What information can smoke detectors give about the residents?
With the advent of so-called intelligent smoke detectors, the function of these devices is undergoing a profound change. While they used to only serve to protect against fires, today they often take on an additional role as recording and data transmission units in the everyday life of many people. This development goes hand in hand with invasions in privacy, which is far beyond thego beyond conventional home ownership.
Advanced monitoring functions: More than just smoke warning
Modern smoke detectors not only measure smoke, but also monitor parameters such as temperature, humidity and other room climate data. You recognize typical behavior patterns such as ventilation, heating or cooking and thus open up the possibility of creating movement and everyday profiles. This data can be used to draw conclusions about the personal routines of the residents andthus raise serious data protection concerns.
Data collection and transmission: The risk of profile formation
The continuous measurement of climate and usage data is often stored in the form of averages or with timestamps. Depending on the system, personal information such as device identifiers or user profiles is collected, which enables individual traceability. In some cases, smoke detectors even document the status of battery changes or disassembly attempts, whichallows additional conclusions about activities within the apartment.
Cloud and app-supported data processing: risk of unlimited storage
The wireless transmission and storage of climate data in apps or cloud systems is particularly problematic. In some cases, the information is archived over several years, which allows the creation of detailed motion profiles. Despite claims by the providers not to create movement profiles, conclusions can be drawn about the presence of the climate,draw absence or daily routines.
shift of power between tenants and landlords
The analysis of ventilation and heating behavior creates a new power relationship. Landlords could specifically resort to the behavior of the tenants in the event of disputes about mold infestation. The increasing networking in the living space increases the pressure on tenants to behave “correctly” because it could be checked at any time whether they violate certain requirements. In the worst case,this data is used for terminations or claims for damages.
Data protection regulations: protection against uncontrolled surveillance
In Germany and the EU, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) regulates the handling of such personal spatial and climate data. It is mandatory that the smoke detectors must be deactivated by default and may only be activated with express, voluntary consent. This consent may not be linked to the rental agreement. When activated areComprehensive information about data collection, storage and access is required to protect user privacy.
Risks from profile building and data misuse
Extensive movement and activity profiles can be created from the collected climate and temperature data. Once this data is personal, you are subject to special protective measures. Nevertheless, there is a risk that they will be passed on, abused or hacked. Experts warn that no cloud solution is fully secured against attacks.
Rejection and uncertainties among users
Many tenants reject the installation of smart smoke detectors or deactivate their climate functions for fear of monitoring. The devices are often perceived as “spies on the ceiling” that transform the private home into a surveillance room. This uncertainty leads to a negative attitude and makes the implementation of intelligent security solutions more difficult.
Social control in the digital living world
Smart smoke detectors convert an originally life-saving technology into a potential surveillance tool. The networking, storage and evaluation of spatial data creates new dependency and control relationships. Without clear data protection guarantees and a real “opt-in” principle, there is a risk that the home will not only be open for fire protection, but also for acomprehensive monitoring is used.
The need for social regulation
The discussion about smart smoke detectors shows how urgent it is to establish social control over digitally networked devices. Only through clear legal requirements and transparent technologies can privacy in one’s own home be protected and the freedom of the residents can be protected.
