Smart Home Devices Raise Questions on Data Privacy

Your Alexa dims the lights while your Google Nest adjusts the temperature, but this isn’t just convenience—it’s what many call surveillance capitalism with a friendly voice. Behind every “Hey Google” and “Alexa, play…” is an invisible war between tech giants, each competing to infiltrate your private space through data-hungry devices.

A recent Surfshark 2024 study reveals the scale of this race. Amazon’s Alexa collects 28 out of 32 possible user data points, while Google Home gathers 22—far more than the average app. These aren’t merely smart assistants; they function as intelligence networks disguised as household helpers. Voice commands, precise location details, contact lists, and even health data all feed into vast corporate profiles, turning daily routines into commodified information streams.

Even the most ordinary gadgets can act as silent informants. That connected Keurig brewing your morning coffee? It’s capable of collecting up to 19 sensitive data categories. Research shows that one in ten smart home apps engages in extensive behavioral tracking, translating everyday habits into valuable marketing insights. When your coffee machine ends up knowing your schedule better than your calendar, you’ve entered surveillance territory that alarms privacy advocates worldwide.

Security, meanwhile, remains a n

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