Smart cameras, speakers, doorbells, televisions, locks, thermostats, sensors, and other connected products may collect information about devices, accounts, locations, recordings, and household routines.
This checklist can help users review privacy settings before and after installing a smart device.
Before Purchasing
- Read the manufacturer’s privacy policy
- Check whether an account is required
- Check whether a paid subscription is required
- Review the manufacturer’s update policy
- Check whether recordings are stored locally or in the cloud
- Review compatibility with the preferred smart home platform
- Check whether the product remains useful without cloud access
Review the Information Collected
Depending on the device, information may include:
- Audio recordings
- Video recordings
- Precise or approximate location
- Device identifiers
- Voice commands
- Movement or occupancy data
- Home automation history
- Contact or account details
- Network and diagnostic information
Review Application Permissions
Check whether the application requests access to:
- Microphone
- Camera
- Photos and files
- Precise location
- Contacts
- Bluetooth
- Local network
- Background activity
Disable permissions that are not necessary for the features you use.
Review Cloud Storage
- Check how long recordings are retained
- Review automatic deletion settings
- Check whether recordings can be downloaded
- Review who can access stored content
- Check whether encryption is described
- Review cancellation and deletion procedures
Review Voice History
For smart speakers and voice assistants, check whether you can:
- Review recorded requests
- Delete individual recordings
- Enable automatic deletion
- Disable unnecessary voice purchasing
- Limit personalized results
- Review connected skills and services
Review Camera and Doorbell Settings
- Use a unique account password
- Enable multi-factor authentication
- Review recording zones
- Disable public sharing links
- Review household and guest access
- Review audio recording
- Check recording-retention settings
- Avoid recording private areas unnecessarily
Review Shared Access
Periodically review access granted to:
- Family members
- Former residents
- Installers
- Temporary guests
- Property managers
- Third-party applications
Remove access that is no longer required.
Review Third-Party Integrations
A smart device may share data with other platforms through:
- Voice-assistant skills
- Automation platforms
- Energy services
- Security companies
- Cloud-storage providers
- Home-management applications
Remove integrations that are no longer used.
Review Advertising and Personalization
Some platforms may use activity information to personalize recommendations, advertising, or services.
Review available options for:
- Personalized advertising
- Product-improvement programs
- Data-sharing preferences
- Usage analytics
- Marketing communications
Protect Sensitive Locations
Avoid placing cameras or microphones where they unnecessarily capture:
- Bathrooms
- Private sleeping areas
- Neighbors’ private spaces
- Confidential work areas
- Documents or screens containing sensitive information
Consider Local Privacy Requirements
Audio and video recording rules vary by location.
Review applicable requirements before monitoring shared spaces, employees, visitors, tenants, neighbors, or public areas.
When Selling or Discarding a Device
- Download information you need to keep
- Delete stored recordings
- Remove the device from the account
- Remove memory cards
- Cancel subscriptions
- Perform the official factory reset
- Confirm that shared access has been removed
Privacy Review Checklist
☐ Privacy policy reviewed
☐ Application permissions reviewed
☐ Cloud retention reviewed
☐ Shared users reviewed
☐ Third-party integrations reviewed
☐ Voice or video history reviewed
☐ Advertising preferences reviewed
☐ Unused features disabled
☐ Account deletion procedure understood
Additional Information
Review our Smart Home Security Checklist for account and network security guidance.