As technology gets smarter and smarter, are we under danger of privacy invasion from the same? That is what a European watchdog in charge of protecting personal data feels about smart meters. The European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) has warned that smart meters, which must be introduced into every home in the UK within the next seven years, will be used to track much more than energy consumption unless proper safeguards are introduced.
It says that "while the Europe-wide rollout of smart metering systems may bring significant benefits, it will also enable massive collection of personal data". The technology could be used to track what "households do within the privacy of their own homes, whether they are away on holiday or at work, if someone uses a specific medical device or a baby monitor, or how they spend their free time".
The potential for extensive data mining is very significant," said the EDPS, noting how profiles can be used for many other purposes, including marketing, advertising and price discrimination by third parties.
The European Commission is now under pressure to consider whether legislation should be introduced to ensure that smart meters do not breach data protection rules.
All homes are expected to have their old meters replaced with the new technology by the end of 2019. The installation of smart meters will cost an estimated £11bn in the UK. Surprisingly, despite a nationwide rollout from 2014, few consumers are aware of the new technology.
Research in Germany, for example, has found that consumers didn’t quite take to the eye within homes! The EDPS recommends that states issue guidance on the frequency of meter readings, how long data can be stored and the use of sophisticated algorithms that allow companies to create profiles of their customers.
As they say, you gain something, you lose something. We just need to balance the two and be clear about priorities.
It says that "while the Europe-wide rollout of smart metering systems may bring significant benefits, it will also enable massive collection of personal data". The technology could be used to track what "households do within the privacy of their own homes, whether they are away on holiday or at work, if someone uses a specific medical device or a baby monitor, or how they spend their free time".
The potential for extensive data mining is very significant," said the EDPS, noting how profiles can be used for many other purposes, including marketing, advertising and price discrimination by third parties.
The European Commission is now under pressure to consider whether legislation should be introduced to ensure that smart meters do not breach data protection rules.
All homes are expected to have their old meters replaced with the new technology by the end of 2019. The installation of smart meters will cost an estimated £11bn in the UK. Surprisingly, despite a nationwide rollout from 2014, few consumers are aware of the new technology.
The watchdog does not rule out potential benefits such as accurate bills and opportunities to help consumers save money on energy bills, but feels they should be aware of the dangers too.
Research in Germany, for example, has found that consumers didn’t quite take to the eye within homes! The EDPS recommends that states issue guidance on the frequency of meter readings, how long data can be stored and the use of sophisticated algorithms that allow companies to create profiles of their customers.
As they say, you gain something, you lose something. We just need to balance the two and be clear about priorities.
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