Roomba Maker Plans to Sell Maps of Your Home

Bandalo said:
Here's the problem...Most, if not all of that information can be had from other existing sources.
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While I agree with this to a degree, the more sources you make available to get this data, the easier it will be for it to be misused. Yes, there are other ways. Some may be easier to misuse, some might be more difficult. However, why should I pile more on just because some already exist. I don't see why people shouldn't use SOME smart devices, but using multiple, plus multiple digital services, can get to problematic levels. (at least potentially problematic levels)

All laptop cams in my house are taped over. Internal mics/cameras also disabled. I wouldn't buy Alexa or equivalent. I do use a smart phone, and do use some "free" services like Gmail. I think you just have to choose the ones that you need most, the ones you can live with the side effects the most, and not try to keep piling on more unnecessarily. Some things are worth being automated. Others...
 
J3RK said:
While I agree with this to a degree, the more sources you make available to get this data, the easier it will be for it to be misused. Yes, there are other ways. Some may be easier to misuse, some might be more difficult. However, why should I pile more on just because some already exist. I don't see why people shouldn't use SOME smart devices, but using multiple, plus multiple digital services, can get to problematic levels. (at least potentially problematic levels)

All laptop cams in my house are taped over. Internal mics/cameras also disabled. I wouldn't buy Alexa or equivalent. I do use a smart phone, and do use some "free" services like Gmail. I think you just have to choose the ones that you need most, the ones you can live with the side effects the most, and not try to keep piling on more unnecessarily. Some things are worth being automated. Others...
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Everyone has their own level of sensitivity to privacy issues like this, and I respect that. If you don't want Roomba maps uploaded to the servers, I think there should be an option to not send that data. You want your webcams taped up, then tape 'em up.

I just like to understand the actual threats and risks with these types of technologies. In THIS particular case, I think both the risk and the threat are nearly non-existent. Other smart devices like Amazon Echos, or smart door-locks and such are a different story, and present a much higher privacy and security risk.
 
What, they didn't like the earlier version of room mapping?

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DigitalGriffin said:
  • Floor plan: I can tell where your bedroom and stairs are located. I can tell you have a potential gun safe in the basement.
  • Google aerial view: I can tell where your doors are and if you have fences. Are there obvious cameras?

  • Smart thermostat: Shifting signal strength of your phone collected by NEST to determine if you are home.

  • Smart watch: Health watch determines when you rest, and when you typically get up.

  • Smart Assistants: Alexa, Siri knows what you order. You order dog food, you have a dog that consumes XX/month indicating possible size. You also order beer which can determine your political orientation.

  • Smart Phone: You call a personal accountant which is known to handle wealthy investors.

So yeah, I see the problem.
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Haha. What?

You're not going to be robbed by the guy from Mission Impossible.
 
Quick question, aren't the floor plans and architectural drawings of all buildings accessibly publically, or am I dreaming this up?
 
chenw said:
Quick question, aren't the floor plans and architectural drawings of all buildings accessibly publically, or am I dreaming this up?
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If I remember correctly blueprints are public records. Current internal floor plans (say post rennovation etc.) wouldn't necessarily be.

I'm always on the side of privacy and security, but so far I don't see much to be worried about with this specifically. I just personally like to minimize the data sent from random devices in my house.

I use the old style manual vac though, so nothing to worry about here anyway. :D
 
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