When Smart Homes Go Bad

All technologies have intended uses and unintended, fringe, use cases. Tech companies can only do so much to anticipate bad actors.

The modern smart home is becoming a reality. You can monitor and control it from afar, it knows when you come home, and you can speak out commands and things happen – lights, TV’s, doors, even appliances answer to your command. The master of your domain.

Then the games begin. She’s cheating. He’s cheating. Whatever. Hatred and jealousy overtake the smart home.

Society is just starting to realize the implications of this. How can the devices be used against someone? Can your ex, or current roommate, be trusted? Did they leave themselves a login to your private home?

Thermostats, Locks and Lights: Digital Tools of Domestic Abuse