Privacy in the Age of Smart Devices: Are We Being Watched?

2 What Are “Smart Devices”?

Any internet-connected device that collects and transmits data qualifies:

1 Smart speakers (e.g. Alexa, Google Home)

2 Smart TVs

3 Fitness trackers and wearables

4 Home security cameras

5 Smart thermostats, fridges, lights, and appliances

6 Connected cars

They bring convenience, but also data collection at a level we’ve never seen before.

3 How Smart Devices Collect Data

These devices gather data through:

1 Microphones & Cameras – voice commands, ambient sound, and sometimes even video

2 Motion Sensors – detect movement, patterns, and behaviours

3 GPS & Location – track where you are and where you go

4 Wi-Fi/Bluetooth – identify nearby devices or networks

5 Usage Logs – every command, interaction, and behaviour gets recorded

Even when you’re not actively using them, many smart devices are always listening or passively collecting data.

4 Where Does the Data Go?

Most data gets sent to:

1 Cloud servers (Amazon, Google, Apple, etc.)

2 Third-party advertisers or data brokers

3 App developers

4 In some cases, governments or law enforcement (via subpoenas)

Many smart device ecosystems rely on data monetization as a business model.

5 Real-World Privacy Incidents

1 Amazon Alexa recorded private conversations and mistakenly sent them to contacts.

2 Ring Cameras had vulnerabilities allowing strangers to access live feeds.

3 Smart TVs from brands like Vizio and Samsung were found tracking what users watched—even when privacy settings were enabled.

4 Roomba vacuums captured and leaked images from users’ homes.

6 What Are the Risks?

1 Surveillance capitalism: Your data is used to predict and influence your behaviour.

2 Data breaches: Hacked devices = leaked private info (audio, video, location, routines).

3 Domestic surveillance: Some abusers use smart devices to track partners or family members.

4 Normalization of surveillance: Constant monitoring becomes socially acceptable—or worse, invisible.

7 How to Protect Yourself

Privacy Hygiene for Smart Devices:

1 Review & disable unnecessary features (like voice history or facial recognition).

2 Use local storage (if possible) instead of cloud-based storage for cameras.

3 Regularly update firmware to patch vulnerabilities.

4 Change default usernames/passwords (especially for IoT devices).

5 Segment your home network: Put smart devices on a separate guest network.

6 Mute mics or cover cams when not in use.

7 Read privacy policies (or summaries) before installing apps or devices.

Bonus tip: Use a hardware firewall like Firewalla or a Pi-hole to block unwanted tracking at the network level.

8 Are We Being Watched?

Yes—by companies, algorithms, and sometimes cybercriminals.
But awareness = power.
You don’t have to ditch all your devices—but you should understand how they operate and take back control of your data.

The Bigger Picture

We’re living in a “post-privacy” era, where technology is outpacing regulation.
The challenge for 2025 and beyond is to build smarter systems that respect privacy, and demand transparency and control as consumers.