In the News
Google takes another step towards prioritizing privacy with Nest. In Nest is getting ready for the smart home’s Cambridge Analytica moment, Russell Brandom at The Verge discusses how Google’s Nest will limit how partner devices can operate within their system in aims of increasing the control over user data. Brandom explains that this initiative will allow third-parties to only interact with the Nest device with ‘limited routines’ and that all commands must be intentionally addressed by users. Brandom highlights that this emphasizes, ‘how sensitive home data really is’ and Google’s step to prioritize such data.
Our Take
Data privacy will continue to be a topic of debate and a key driver in new features in the coming years. Google’s proactive approach to its home speaker, Nest, is proof that some companies are prioritizing the importance of data privacy faster than others. Google’s efforts not only increase the privacy for user data, but they also increase Google control over the Nest speaker’s market and skills. This mutually beneficial relationship incentivizes Google to continue to develop new and more robust privacy initiatives. While these new restrictions have yet to be introduced, the emphasis that Google has been placing on user privacy across their many products should serve as a standard for its competitors. Data privacy will only grow in priority for consumers as more and more of their lives as connected to the internet, and only time will tell which companies can match this consumer demand and provide services accordingly.
Recommendations
How can you protect the privacy of your personal information?
- Understand the risks of putting your personal information into the world, and only share what you have to
- Use safe password practices, and take advantage of Multi-factor Authentication where possible
- Utilize additional security/privacy measures and settings on apps, accounts, and platforms whenever possible
- Research and read a company’s data privacy practices before utilizing their services
- Know your rights when it comes to data storage both on a company and legal level