On behalf of the Consortium of Smart Doorbells, Ipsos I&O recently conducted a nationwide survey of perceptions about smart doorbells. Many owners appreciate the convenience (70%) and sense of security (62%) offered by such a smart doorbell. However, the survey also shows that usage frequently violates privacy laws.
For example, many doorbells film not only one's own front door, but also public spaces. In addition, many people are unaware that many of these smart devices make audio recordings in addition to video and that these are then stored. The survey results highlight the need for better education and awareness.
Today, about one in seven homes in the Netherlands has a smart doorbell. That adds up to about 1.2 million smart doorbells. These doorbells can see and hear who or what is at the door. They are connected to the Internet, allowing the owner to watch along live or watch back and listen to recordings. The study consisted of a survey of 761 respondents and two focus groups. The survey provides a representative picture of perceptions about smart doorbells in the Netherlands. Fifteen percent of respondents were outspokenly negative about smart doorbells. More than half of all respondents mind that data about them is being collected. About 70% expressed concerns (not in all but some cases) about manufacturers storing recordings. The focus groups also showed that participants adjust their opinions and look more critically as they learn more about the invasion of privacy of neighbors, passersby and package deliverers. "I thought it was just a handy gadget. Only now do I realize how much privacy of others I unintentionally violate," said one participant.
The survey further shows that 75% of Dutch people think that neighbors should at least inform them when purchasing a smart doorbell; 59% even think they should consult about it. In practice, however, this hardly ever happens: 84% of owners say nothing to their neighbors. A large proportion of smart doorbell owners have no desire to make adjustments to their doorbell (44%). Of the suggested modifications, a sticker or a sign next to the smart doorbell has the most support (41%).
The Consortium of Smart Doorbells, which consists of Responsible Sensing Lab, TU Delft, AMS Institute, Privacy First and the municipalities of Amsterdam, Breda, The Hague and Groningen, is committed to the responsible use of this technology. Thijs Turel, Program Manager Urban Digitalization at AMS Institute and consortium member: "Six out of seven doors in the Netherlands do not yet have a smart doorbell. We hope the results of this research will make the residents of those front doors think: do I really need it? Am I not causing a nuisance and how do I use it responsibly?" In addition, the consortium is working on interventions to better facilitate neighborhood conversations and is researching specific hardware modifications such as a camera lens that blurs the background image beyond two meters to better protect the privacy of local residents.
For more information about the research and the Consortium Smart Doorbells, see responsiblesensinglab.org and ipsos-public.com. The full research report can be found HERE (pdf).
