We continue the series of posts on Panda Security’s survey commissioned from IO Investigación, in which we asked thousands of Europeans how they use new technologies, what they think about them and what dangers they perceive (if you want, you can also read the 1st post of the survey on social networks and online influence).
In this second post, we look at the results on internet-connected devices such as virtual assistants and smart home appliances, artificial intelligence and in particular the perceived privacy dangers of using these new technologies. Read more!
38% of respondents use a voice assistant such as Alexa or Siri.
Home automation is the area of technology that deals with the automation of homes, in particular the development of smart, internet-connected devices that allow users to interact with their homes and live more comfortably.
Among IoT, Internet of Things devices, those based on AI, or artificial intelligence, stand out. These include home assistants such as Alexa and Siri, but also systems that we do not see and that regulate the operation of networks, devices and applications.
As far as artificial intelligence is concerned, there are various types of technologies that go by this name, but at the moment the ones attracting the most attention are machine learning systems (i.e. automated learning) and LLMs, i.e. large language models such as ChatGPT.
Here is what we found out by asking more than 4000 Italians, French, Germans and Spaniards how they use home automation and what they think about it:
From these figures and the answers of the interviewees, two key concepts emerge: the internet of things is not yet so widespread and people still have many fears related to their privacy and the security of internet-connected devices and AI.
The delay in the spread of home automation devices in European countries has many causes, but certainly one of them is the concern with which many people approach these technologies.
Part of the problem is due to the lack of transparency with which companies and developers communicate what data is collected and how it is used. European lawmakers are insisting on this point, first with the GDPR and then with the AI Act, the regulation that will outline the transparency and security requirements for the use of artificial intelligence-based technologies, which is expected to be approved soon.
READ ALSO: AI terms you need to know
Furthermore, we can point to the following reasons for the low uptake of home automation and fears concerning its use and that of AI:
62% of respondents are very concerned that these devices could collect personal information about them.
With these brief security tips for home automation and artificial intelligence, you can approach new technologies with less fear, if you haven’t already, or deepen your knowledge and try out more complex (and more interesting) applications.
In this post we looked at how Europeans use home automation and AI devices, what they think about them and what their (our) fears are. In the next post on our cybersecurity survey, we will talk about child safety.
CONTINUE READING: Understanding Artificial Intelligence
Happy browsing and enjoy using home automation and AI devices!
Panda Security specializes in the development of endpoint security products and is part of the WatchGuard portfolio of IT security solutions. Initially focused on the development of antivirus software, the company has since expanded its line of business to advanced cyber-security services with technology for preventing cyber-crime.
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Cybersecurity survey: 36% of Europeans don't even have an IoT … – Panda Security
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