Introduction
Smart home devices have transformed home life. It has become essential to examine them from an ethical perspective, leading to the promotion of independent living with support from devices such as Amazon Echo reshaping the current life. In line with using the devices to maintain and improve functional capabilities, they have become tools whereby personal data can be used. Challenges within the smart home device use have been the ethical design and development. Understandable is the usage of devices that present various problems in promoting autonomy, privacy, and data security. Ethical concerns about smart home devices, such as the infringement of personal data, hacking, and irresponsible data sharing, require an in-depth evaluation. Hence, this paper examines that though these devices can create convenience for homeowners, knowing the risk challenges and many ethical concerns can help us address and mitigate these challenges in the future.
Background information about smart home devices and ethical issues
Smart home devices have taken a central position in contemporary society. With their adoption taking root more than a decade ago, the devices are geared toward improving home living. The devices rely on a network society for a better quality of life. Hassan et al. (2020) recognize that tools used in computer systems are integrated into smart home systems and play an essential part in improving daily life. Advancements within the field of smart home devices are not an isolated case. Firstly, the developments that occur are within the purview of the society that has been shaped by various trends (Stip & Rialle, 2005). Acknowledgment of the added value of the devices entails an intelligent setting shaped by the internet, Wi-Fi, smartphones, smart audio, visual devices, and interconnected computer systems (Stip & Rialle, 2005). On the other hand, smart devices such as smart speakers, home control, and thermal stat systems are deemed complex systems influencing daily life.
Reliance on smart home devices translates into an integrated home that can realize the interactive process between the user and technology. Obtaining information and establishing the parameter for an easy life translate into activities such as interconnected computers, television, and smartphones that can ease communication (Gerber et al., 2018). Further, smart home devices enhance comfort, safety, and interactivity by optimizing various activities. The facets of concern include ease at controlling the thermostat to one’s specification to orders from Amazon and control of information services at home (Hassan et al., 2020). Establishing a real-time platform whereby the devices improve the purchase and cross-interaction has a paradigm shift in operations.
Further, home appliance interactive control is also a feature of smart home devices that translates into ease of operations (Chan et al., 2009). Hosting services and automatic rational management of home appliances are evident through the internet. Further, home electricity management is also at ease which is positively influential.
Nonetheless, problems arise in the ethical setting, especially in data management. Critics such as Umbrello (2020) assert that privacy is a primary moral concern. The interactive process of devices highlights significant data collection. For example, Amazon Echo regularly collects personal data when sales are made, and questions arise on how the data is used by the organizations (Umbrello, 2020). Raised concerns on the interactive process of data from the smartphone to television in making outside interaction is equally a concern. The execution of normative ethics highlights that privacy shapes the tenets of evaluation. Emphasis on monitoring personal data comprises respect in its assessment (Wolf et al., 2019). Proper practices in data collection and access to the third party are equally essential to examine, which can lead to an assessment of the interests of multiple parties. Autonomy is an essential dimension in reviewing the drastic adoption of smart home devices. Awareness of the shared data highlights that the customers need help determining what is undertaken to safeguard their data. Examination of the ethical setting denotes establishing the standards for informed consent in the specificity of using smart home devices (Sánchez et al., 2017). Thus, the in-depth assessment of the parameters of smart home devices and ethics should align with examining the existent challenges. Acceptance that these devices can create convenience for homeowners and knowing the risk challenges and many ethical concerns can help us address and mitigate these challenges in the future.
Ethical issues in smart home devices
ACM code of ethics applies to smart home devices.
Computing devices and actions have led to considerable changes in the world. Thus, acting responsibly should reflect on the work’s and products’ broader impacts while promoting the public good. Sánchez et al. (2017) emphasize that the ACM code of ethics encourages the profession’s conscience and device used as the way forward. The code is construed towards designing, inspiring, and guiding the ethical code of conduct, especially for all computing professionals. Inclusive of current and aspiring professionals, the need to affirm principles of behavior can lead to positive outcomes (Sánchez et al., 2017).
An essential principle of ACM relatable to smart home devices is the need to contribute to societal well-being and acknowledge that people have vested interests in computing. People are critical to upholding the values and expectations of an effective decision-making platform (Nelson & Allen, 2018). The concerns of quality of life of all individuals should be within the use of computer products. The technology should also be adopted from an individual and collective setting to benefit society, workers, and the surrounding environment. People’s obligation is based on the promotion of fundamental human rights and conformity to the values of autonomy (Maalsen, 2020). Computing professionals aim to reduce negatable consequences of computing, such as safety, security, and privacy (Birchley et al., 2017). With multiple stakeholders’ interests, the users’ attention and priority should be geared toward autonomy, upholding human rights, and conformity to value-centric operations.
Therefore, it is fundamental to consider that computing tools should respect diversity while ensuring socially responsible initiatives. Meeting the citizen’s needs and being socially accessible is an influential parameters of technology use (Ehrenberg & Keinonen, 2021). Consequently, the basis for technological implementation is upholding the principles of a social environment that promotes human well-being.
On the other hand, respect should be geared toward the devices that can be the foundation for producing new ideas and promoting ease in the execution of multiple works (Erica, 2022). In technology use, it is crucial to respect copyrights and patents while ensuring that the protection of results prevails (Purkayastha, 2022). From custom and copyrights, the ACM code emphasizes that public and private computing goods should be within the paradigm of accessibility. Technology should be eared at helping society (Maalsen, 2020). From computer professionals to the computing process, it is essential to promote the principles of the ethical use and improvement of life. Equally central to the use of technology, the following values should be upheld.
Respect privacy
The ACM code is set on establishing responsible computing professionals who respect privacy. Arguably, technology is a tool that rapidly collects, monitors, and exchanges personal information. Privacy is vital with smart home devices showing extensive knowledge exchange (Sánchez et al., 2017). Therefore, the focus on conversing in the various definitions and forms of privacy can be the basis for understanding the rights and responsibilities. The collection and usage of personal information is a specific technology feature whose value can be examined extensively (Birchley et al., 2017). Technology should be used effectively to ascertain legitimate ends without violating the rights of individuals and groups. Consequently, precautions should be taken to prevent the re-identification of the anonymized data or unauthorized data collection.
Promoting the accuracy of data, ensuring understanding of the provenance of the data while promoting unauthorized access or accidental disclosure. Promoting transparent policies and steps that allow for comprehension of which data is being collected or used should be within the parameters of giving informed consent. Data collection should promote personal data’s value (Sánchez et al., 2017). For smart home devices, the amount of important personal information is usually collected in a system. Thus, it is vital for the retention and disposal periods of the information should be clearly stated, enforced, and communicated to the existent data subjects (Sánchez et al., 2017). Personal information from the devices should not be used for other purposes without one’s consent. Taking special care of privacy using devices should emerge when data collection.
Adequate privacy protection minimizes the level at which identifiable personal data is shared. Smart home devices, from television to smart speakers, phones, and computing systems at home, must maintain a balance against the need for data from users (Sánchez et al., 2017). Data usage should require particular attention to unauthorized access to in-home store data. Examining the viability of the security measures implemented to safeguard personal data should be the basis for decision-making.
Promotion of confidentiality in the use of data
Despite the ACM code focusing on computing professionals called upon to promote a confidential management process, ripple effects must prevail in the technology use. The developers of smart home devices should focus on privileged information, such as client data and financial information, to be protected confidentially (Grant, 2022). The code’s ethics requires assessing the nature of contents and the implications for disclosure. Thoughtful consideration of personal data should be consistent with managing sensitive information (Maalsen, 2020). Efforts should be geared at safeguarding high-quality and sensitive information effectively. Smart home devices, through their developers, should be geared toward promoting the dignity of customer data (Umbrello, 2020). Deviating from the ethically unacceptable ways of sharing data should shape access to smart home devices. Opportunities for inclusivity in assessing the devices should be aligned with confidentiality.
Ethical Analysis Framework
Beauchamp and Childress’ principles model in analyzing smart home devices
Autonomy
The principle of ethical autonomy plays an integral role in understanding the use of smart home devices. Accordingly, it is essential to respect the data of individuals the home devices collect. Application to the technology is within the purview of valuing people’s data and should not be viewed merely as good. Companies should deviate from the view of personal data as a way to earn money and share it with others (Maalsen, 2020). Focus on the ethical justification for the use of smart home devices should be based on acceptance of individual consent in the data use. The intersection between confidentiality protection and respect for autonomy should be the purview of decision-making (Purkayastha, 2022). Explicit personal consent in accessing data from smart home devices should be within the purview of operations. Reduction of data accessibility among the organizations should establish an enabling platform for the involvement of the devices in decision-making.
Non-maleficence
The principle is essential in examining smart home devices since it can be used to establish the parameter of not inflicting harm on others based on access to personal data (Maalsen, 2020). Addressing the principle denotes sensitization on the use of the technologies and how data accessibility can emerge. From hacking and sharing personal data on the dark web to governments using data obtained from unscrupulous sellers of intelligent home devices, it is crucial to examine the implications. Privacy-related harms to personal data should emerge from aspects such as stalking (Purkayastha, 2022). Therefore, the social and reputational harm of data sharing should form the basis of awareness for the customers or family members. Consideration of the non-maleficence principle should shift the burden in the data review (Wolf et al., 2019). Potentially harmful effects of data sharing should be examined as the basis for smart home device usage.
Real-life examples
From an ACM code of ethics perspective, the collective responsibilities of the organizations, professional computing stakeholders, and the public have assumed real-life examples. Arguably, notions of ethical data usage, privacy, and confidentiality have not been upheld (Sánchez et al., 2017). Companies have remained unwilling to strive to engage in professional communication on the implications of smart home devices.
For Nelson & Allen (2018), using routers at home requires tight security or encryption to ensure that the interconnected devices are not subject to data hacks. Numerous families have had to grapple with hacking incidents with detrimental outcomes. From posting their photos on public sites to stalking incidents, smart home devices are prone to unscrupulous or unwarranted access (Purkayastha, 2022). Arguably, the challenge for most families is developing simple to complex encryption processes that can ensure that even their children’s phones or personal computers may not be intruded upon.
Further, Sani (2022) emphasizes that a primary ethical dilemma of a smart home is the misuse of personal information. The Dark web has become a trove of illegal activities, such as selling credit card information to photos of children. In a technologically empowered home, it is unsurprising that credit card purchases are undertaken, which establish the foundation for hacks (Pirzada et al., 2022). Technologically empowered houses revolve around how businesses can use personal information. From browsing internet sites to making online purchases, information becomes open. Engaging equally with multiple online businesses translates into companies often sharing the info (Sánchez et al., 2017). Companies gather personal data to hyper-personalize online experiences (Purkayastha, 2022). Consequently, information sharing among businesses translates into individualized marketing. The accessibility to multiple sites the moment people browse often highlights the prospect of sharing information without consent.
Sánchez et al. (2017) assert that personal information is deemed the new gold traded across the online platform. Attempting to reach the customer base through accurate data is a facet of concern that raises concerns about privacy and confidentiality. Valuable data points are exploited for businesses to make money or advance their marketing agender (Ehrenberg & Keinonen, 2021). Amazon and Facebook, at times, have come under fire for the sale of personal data they gather from multiple platforms. The wide-reaching effects of personal data sales were evident, especially in the Cambridge Analytica scandal, whose information ranged from various platforms (Purkayastha, 2022). The recognition of privacy invasion and the implications of manipulating people from multiple platforms raises ethical concerns.
Lack of oversight and organizational acceptance of responsibility in sharing personal information is an ethical area. Fowler (2022) acknowledges that companies operate with impunity in sharing personal data. Comprising a blend of third-party to own smart home devices, gathering your information is expected. As a result, confusion and dilemma are apparent regarding data governance and responsibility. Using big data within the operational setting sheds light on the engagement of information-sharing and processing systems without consultation (Pirzada et al., 2022). Businesses must adopt a perspective in their data collection process and third-party selling. Despite many experts lobbying for corporate governance and local policies on data sharing, its widespread mismanagement is rife in big data companies.
Lessons learned
Personal data is easily accessible, and most importantly, with the devices interconnected through Wi-Fi, it is crucial to promote good security management. Creating a secure home should commence with the router, the foundation for efficient operations (Sani, 2022). What connects all devices is valuable and should denote an integrated operation dimension. Furthermore, setting unique passwords can lead to a daunting prospect of outside hacks (Chan et al., 2009). Additionally, emphasizing the highest degree of encryption is crucial and recommends the WPA2 as an effective platform that requires establishing an enabling platform to ensure third-party access does not emerge (Zhu et al., 2022).
Further, at-home mobile applications should use super-strong passwords. The devices are accessible for family members who need passwords for decision-making. Devices associated with mobile apps call for login credentials to establish a parameter for family engagement in their management (Ehrenberg & Keinonen, 2021). Creating a unique credential from each smart device and an account is the framework for safeguarding from infringement.
Future projections
AI (Artificial Intelligence) to Control Homes
AI will become a prominent feature in the management of homes. Its potential to establish systems that will control various facets of the house will lead to an ethical line requiring new evaluation (Nancy, 2022). Accordingly, establishing a dangerous territory in the management of homes will emanate from the ease at which people relinquish control to the systems. For example, the ethics of confidentiality will arise from the data management and tracking process that will be left to the AI. Encouraging intelligent systems to be a standard fixture in homes will raise concerns about their decision-making process. Since technology is flawed, it is crucial to examine informed consent and the parameters that should enable it to be independent in data management (Pirzada et al., 2022). The AI will be based on training and coding of data, which may be tainted by human bias. An AI that solely responds to historical, social inequalities may emerge, which may be detrimental to effective home systems management and privacy concerns. For example, a male-centric AI may assume the role of women in the homes and not engage in confidentiality or privacy management of data or monitoring of the home members.
Recommendations
Policies for smart home device providers
Organizations should be held accountable for personal data. The way forward is to establish parameters for the data and coordinate with the members. The development of a firm moral sense, especially for customer data protection, is within the parameter of operations for the organization (Nancy, 2022). Data is valuable and undoubtedly continues to influence the contemporary customer targeting process. Organizations should liaise with customers to develop ethical data management.
Encourage a moral sense of data management.
Communication with the public should be an essential dimension of operations for organizations on the ethical value of preserving their data. Emphasis on instruction and an information-centric approach to the importance of data and ways to protect it should align with ethical expectations (Chung et al., 2016). Data protection measures and compliance procedures being open to the customers in their use of devices should prevail to ensure security and not leak or be misused.
Conclusions
Smart home devices are a trend that continues to shape contemporary society. Ease in daily life at home is a crucial transition to reshape the technical landscape. Accordingly, the devices can create convenience for homeowners, and knowing the risk challenges and many ethical concerns can help us address and mitigate these challenges in the future. Data management is an essential component that requires an in-depth analysis from privacy to confidentiality and informed consent; it is fundamental for people to examine the underlying issues. Smart home device owners should be aware of the ethical concerns associated with the use, and it is paramount to maintain awareness for positive outcomes is paramount.
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