Bill Overview
Title: Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act
Description: This bill requires manufacturers of internet-connected devices (e.g., smart appliances) that are equipped with a camera or microphone to disclose to consumers that a camera or microphone is part of the device. The bill does not apply to mobile phones, laptops, or other devices that a consumer would reasonably expect to include a camera or microphone.
Sponsors: Rep. Curtis, John R. [R-UT-3]
Target Audience
Population: Consumers of internet-connected devices with cameras or microphones (excluding expected devices like phones and laptops)
Estimated Size: 200000000
- The bill pertains to manufacturers of smart devices with cameras or microphones. This primarily affects the technology and electronics industry globally.
- It targets devices that are not traditionally expected to have recording capabilities, such as smart speakers, smart TVs, and home appliances with smart features.
- Consumers worldwide who purchase or currently own smart devices with these capabilities will benefit from increased transparency.
- The global market for smart devices is quite large, with billions of devices already in use or expected to be sold in the coming years.
Reasoning
- The policy's primary impact group is consumers who own or are planning to purchase smart devices with unexpected cameras or microphones. Given that smart device penetration in the U.S. is high and growing, the potential reach of the policy is large.
- The cost and budget constraints suggest the policy will focus on awareness campaigns and changing packaging and product descriptions rather than large-scale technological innovations, making the reach of the policy feasible within the budget.
- Overall impact on wellbeing can vary significantly based on individual attitudes towards privacy and technology use. Some consumers prioritize transparency and privacy, leading to higher satisfaction, whereas others may not perceive a difference.
- The policy serves as a preventive measure against privacy infringement concerns, which may only show significant positive effects in certain groups who have heightened awareness or previous negative experiences.
- Population diversity in terms of tech adoption, lifestyle, and privacy expectations means both the impact and its perception will vary widely among U.S. citizens.
Simulated Interviews
Software Engineer (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I value my privacy, so knowing exactly what devices have cameras or microphones gives me peace of mind.
- It's good to hold manufacturers accountable for transparency.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Electrician (Houston, TX)
Age: 42 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't use many smart devices, so this doesn't really affect me.
- I guess it's nice to know, but it doesn’t change much for me.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Social Media Influencer (Denver, CO)
Age: 28 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As someone constantly online, privacy is key, so this policy resonates well.
- I appreciate the effort to make tech companies more transparent.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Teacher (Miami, FL)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 20/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I appreciate knowing more about my devices, but I find tech details overwhelming.
- More information is good, but it doesn't change my daily life much.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Retired (New York, NY)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think transparency is essential, and it's about time manufacturers are required to do this.
- I've hesitated in buying certain devices due to privacy concerns, so this policy might change my behavior.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Data Analyst (Seattle, WA)
Age: 25 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I welcome any measure that increases transparency in tech.
- Being informed about potential recording devices is crucial to me.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Marketing Manager (Chicago, IL)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Info is useful, but I hope it doesn't lead to reducing device functionality.
- I'm okay with the policy as long as it balances privacy with usability.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Stay-at-home Parent (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I usually buy what trends suggest, but knowing about the features helps.
- I have enough on my plate; a simple heads-up on devices is appreciated.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Freelance Photographer (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 45 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm largely indifferent unless there's a security exploit.
- I suppose knowing about such features is reassuring if I ever have concerns.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Professor (Boston, MA)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Transparency should be a default in all tech products.
- This policy could push more companies towards ethical practices.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $50000000 (Low: $30000000, High: $70000000)
Year 2: $50000000 (Low: $30000000, High: $70000000)
Year 3: $50000000 (Low: $30000000, High: $70000000)
Year 5: $50000000 (Low: $30000000, High: $70000000)
Year 10: $50000000 (Low: $30000000, High: $70000000)
Year 100: $50000000 (Low: $30000000, High: $70000000)
Key Considerations
- The bill introduces minor regulatory compliance costs for manufacturers of smart devices.
- The increased transparency may bolster consumer trust in technology which could enhance market adoption of smart devices in the long run.
- Compliance costs are mainly one-time due to the need for packaging and labeling adjustments.