As it should be well known at this point, Google acquired Nest Labs quite some time ago. Nest Labs manufactures smart thermostats, smoke detectors, as well as a slew of other products aimed at making your life easier. It also collects and stores all of that information, Google’s true reasoning behind acquiring the company. Now it seems that Google’s subsidiary is anxious to close a deal with the techy upstart Dropcam. Indeed, Nest Labs has already begun the process of inking a $555 million cash deal with the new webcam operator.
Forbes has described Dropcam as a “provider of easy-to-use and configure Wi-Fi webcams and trackers, and cloud-based storage. Dropcam owners can check in on their connected cameras from virtually anywhere, and should the user choose, the video feed can be stored in Dropcam’s cloud…”
Many people enjoy using Nest Labs and Dropcam, particularly because it allows them to check in on their homes remotely while being on the move. The problem then isn’t allowing companies to access and gather personal data, but that Google is looking to consolidate as much of that data gathering power as it possibly can. Google is already the most commonly used search engine, but thanks to Dropcam the company will be able to watch you search as you do it.
Those who use google, have an Android based phone, utilize Nest Labs products, and also use a Dropcam will be allowing Google to know virtually every single thing you do. From web searches, to physical movement (by tracking your phones movements), to if you are too hot or too cold, Google will see it all. Google could possibly even eavesdrop on conversations and use your Dropcam to spy on you in real time. Though technology is great, that is a tremendous amount of privacy to be giving up.
To deny technology is to deny progress. Technology is vital for society to improve and evolve. The danger here is not technology or data collection, but the fact that a single, very powerful, company will have access to literally all of your information. To incorporate a Nest Labs thermostat or Dropcam into your home, is to invite Google to become a part of your homes infrastructure. In the end it will be up to the individual to decide what matters more: privacy or technology.
Photo Illustration: Pando.com
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