STK – Letter to the editor
Every device seems “smart” these days. Smart phones, smart speakers, smart kitchen appliances, you name it – it has a personal AI assistant just to say the magic word. These tools make our lives easier and more enjoyable, but at what cost? Recent reports suggest that these devices are always listening, whether we want them to or not.
Representative Curtis’ new bill allows consumers to make that decision for themselves. The Smart Device Consumer Disclosure Act requires manufacturers to disclose if their products have audio or video recording capabilities, giving consumers the power to decide whether they want tech companies to eavesdrop on their daily lives. The bill passed the House of Representatives’ Consumer Protection and Trade Subcommittee in June and is expected to be heard on the House floor as soon as next month. Thanks to Rep. Curtis, this is a big step forward in protecting consumer privacy.
Don’t get me wrong – I love my Alexa, but I don’t want her to listen to every word I say. Rep. Curtis understands that and is working to make sure manufacturers do, too. Congress should pass the Smart Devices Consumer Informative Act and ensure privacy—it’s the smart thing to do.
Quincy Azimi, Provo, chairman of the Utah College Republicans
Newspaper
