While the “always listening” aspect of many “smart home” devices with voice control spooks out countless users, this isn’t the first, nor will it be the last time, that law enforcement seek to obtain the data that these devices record. Unfortunately for law enforcement, while these devices maybe listening all the time, they do not record everything they hear.
Basically, the devices are always listening for triggering command words, like “Alexa” or “Ok Google,” and only start recording (or sending the recording off the device) after being woken up by the command. So, unless a victim uses one of the triggering commands during the attack, it’s generally unlikely this evidence will be helpful.
Echo Security Opportunity
Given the relatively frequent headlines about smart home devices being subpoenaed for evidence, it might not be the worst idea for these device makers to start building in stealth security features, like code words that will trigger a silent call to police, or will start recording without lights being active and automatically send the recording via email to an emergency contact.
Additionally, smart home device makers can also request device owners complete an optional form that will serve as a “living will” of sorts for their smart devices, basically allowing the manufacturer to unlock or turn over data to police, or next of kin, in case of death or a police investigation.
Related Resources:
- Harvard Opens Massive Caselaw Library Online (FindLaw’s Technologist)
- FCC Forum on Future AI Communications (FindLaw’s Technologist)
- The Danger of Manipulated Videos (FindLaw’s Technologist)
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