According to Consumer Intelligence Report Partners, two-thirds of Americans who shop on Amazon own at least one of its smart gadgets. However, what many of these consumers are not aware of is the fact that Amazon collects more data than nearly other company. As we have previously explored, with Ring Video Doorbells, Amazon can collect data on the area outside of your home; however, with recent acquisitions like Roomba, Amazon can now collect data on your home itself. (Of course, through ownership of companies such as Whole Foods, Amazon collects personal information when you are away from your home). In this article, we want to focus on three Amazon acquisitions that can drastically affect your right to privacy:
- As we have discussed, last year Amazon provided video from Ring Doorbells to law enforcement without the consent of homeowners eleven times. Bypassing homeowner consent is made possible through a police emergency request, though no one is exactly sure what constitutes an emergency in these situations. Furthermore, this recorded surveillance was provided to law enforcement without the enforcement of a search warrant.
- Another recently purchased Amazon service, Amazon Clinic, raised privacy concerns for medical professionals for the fact that HIPAA (the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) is aimed at the health provider and not technology solutions. Although Amazon states in its HIPAA Authorization that they are “in compliance with federal privacy laws, including HIPAA,” it is unclear as to whether this compliance is federally mandated or simply observed.
- Shortly after purchasing One Medical, Amazon made the move to acquire iRobot, the maker of Roomba. When this robot vacuum moves across your floors, it makes a map of the space (including your walls and furniture) and retains that data. Some Roomba vacuums even come equipped with low-resolution cameras that allow the devices to avoid obstacles; however, there is nothing to stop these vacuums from storing video of you and your guests.
What does this all mean? Essentially, users have been forced into a position where they must trust that Amazon will be good stewards of their personal data. As the cited examples indicate, the company’s track record is mixed at best. So, despite the usefulness of Amazon Alexa, Echo and even Roomba, it might be a good idea for users to invest in products and companies who have a better track record of personal data privacy protection.
