Smart Grid technology raises cyber security and privacy rights concerns –
Privacy rights experts and consumer protection advocates have been raising awareness to risks and inherent privacy implications associated with the latest "Smart Meter" technology that when installed on televisions and appliances measure the level of personal power usage in your home and business. The data is then shared with the government, utility companies and an array of third parties. Advocacy experts already concerned over privacy rights, are now also fearful that this personal detailed data can land in the hands of hackers and cyber criminals. An earlier blog shared by Jim Malmberg, Executive Director at ACCESS, touched on the growing privacy rights concerns. Below he expands on those concerns, noting the various risks to our personal security. The so called Smart Grid is also likely to lead to unintended consequences; possibly of a criminal nature.
Will it put an end to Privacy in Your Home As You Know It?
Do you think that the government should be able to tell you to turn off your television because it uses too much power? Should the government be able to shut down your air conditioner because they think you are emitting too much in the way of greenhouse gases? For that matter, would you feel comfortable if both the government and your local utility company, knew about and could monitor, each and every appliance in your home? Or if they could, look at when and how much you use each of those appliances?
Do you think that the government should be able to tell you to turn off your television because it uses too much power? Should the government be able to shut down your air conditioner because they think you are emitting too much in the way of greenhouse gases? For that matter, would you feel comfortable if both the government and your local utility company, knew about and could monitor, each and every appliance in your home? Or if they could, look at when and how much you use each of those appliances?
