Privacy Chapter 12 — Smart Home, Not a Surveillance Home: TVs, Speakers, Cars & IoT Devices
- Pallav Avatarit
- Nov 12, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 25, 2025
In our quest for convenience, we often overlook the privacy implications of smart appliances. From Smart TVs to Smart Speakers, Smart Cars, and other IoT devices, these gadgets collect a significant amount of data about us. Let's take a closer look at the privacy issues associated with these devices and what you can do to protect yourself.
Smart TVs
Smart TVs are designed to connect to the internet to provide streaming services, apps, and other features. However, this connectivity comes at a cost to your privacy. Smart TVs collect data on your viewing habits, app usage, and even your voice if they have built-in voice recognition. Unfortunately, you can't stop the data collection entirely if you want to use the smart features.
Privacy Tip: If you're concerned about privacy, consider using a streaming device that offers better privacy controls (like Apple TV 4K) or connect your TV to the internet only when necessary.
Smart Speakers
Smart speakers like Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomePod are always listening for their wake words. However, there are differences in how they handle your data:
- Amazon Alexa: Alexa is always listening, but it only starts processing your query when it hears its wake word — “Alexa”. It records and tags these recordings with your account name.
- Google Assistant: Similar to Alexa, Google Assistant records and tags recordings with your account name when it hears its wake word.
- Apple Siri: Siri records and tags recordings with a random identifier (not your account name) when sent to Apple, making it the best option out of the three for privacy.
Privacy Tip: Regularly review and delete your voice recordings from the respective apps or settings to minimise data collection.
Smart Cars
Smart cars are loaded with sensors and connectivity features that collect a vast amount of data, from your driving habits to your location and even personal preferences. According to a Mozilla report, none of the car manufacturers prioritise privacy. All of them collect huge amounts of data, with some, like Tesla, collecting more than others.
Privacy Tip: Review the privacy settings of your smart car and disable any features that are not essential for your use. Be mindful of the data you share with the car's apps and services.
Other Smart IoT Home Devices
Smart home devices like thermostats, security cameras, and smart lights also collect data to function effectively. While these devices can improve your home's efficiency and security, they can also compromise your privacy.
Privacy Tip: Choose devices from manufacturers that prioritise privacy and offer robust security features. Regularly update the firmware and review the privacy settings to ensure your data is protected.
Making the Trade-Off
To secure against the data collection schemes of smart appliances, you often need to disable their smart features. This decision boils down to a trade-off between privacy and convenience. For example, music apps like Spotify and Apple Music collect your usage data to provide better recommendations and targeted marketing. Turning off these data collection features could result in poorer recommendations and a less enjoyable music experience. (You can read more about the privacy policies of music apps in this article).
Personally, I believe that accepting privacy doesn't have to come at the expense of features. The other privacy tips in this blog series are designed to enhance your privacy without compromising on functionality.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. Weigh the benefits of the smart features against the potential privacy risks and decide what works best for you. Remember, being aware of these issues and taking proactive steps can significantly enhance your digital privacy.
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