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 prior to purchase 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: Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX]
Target Audience
Population: Internet-connected device purchasers
Estimated Size: 120000000
- The global market for smart devices is huge, with billions of devices sold each year, indicating a large number of potential consumers who would benefit from this legislation.
- Internet-connected devices with cameras or microphones, such as smart TVs, smart speakers, and smart home devices like security systems, are becoming increasingly common worldwide.
- The bill affects all consumers considering the purchase of new smart devices, guiding more informed purchasing decisions.
- Given the global adoption of smart home technology, many consumers worldwide would be directly impacted by being informed about the presence of cameras or microphones in such devices.
Reasoning
- The policy addresses consumer awareness, potentially improving wellbeing by increasing trust and transparency when purchasing smart devices.
- It's expected to have a higher impact on privacy-conscious individuals and those who value data security.
- The policy does not cover smartphones or laptops, reducing the range of devices affected but focusing on less obvious instances of cameras/mics.
- The cost per individual informed could be around 0.125 USD (budget/target).
- The policy impacts vary depending on how informed consumers currently are about device features and their privacy concerns.
- Since smart devices are widespread in the US, even small improvements in consumer trust may greatly influence overall consumer wellbeing.
- Many consumers who purchase these devices may not currently scrutinize them for privacy features, thus this policy fills a potentially important information gap.
- Considering the rapid adoption of new technology, especially smart home devices, the policy would likely have a broad and sustained impact averaging into the millions over the 10-year span.
Simulated Interviews
Marketing Specialist (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it's great that this policy will make us more aware of cameras and microphones.
- I have often worried about privacy but sometimes felt overwhelmed about reading all specifications.
- This makes it easier for me to choose safer products.
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 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Software Engineer (Chicago, IL)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am usually well-informed about these things already.
- This law shouldn't affect me much, but it's good for others who might not be as aware.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Freelance Writer (Austin, TX)
Age: 27 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it's useful to have these warnings directly visible.
- I'm not super concerned about privacy, but I do appreciate transparency.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Stay-at-home Parent (Seattle, WA)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm relieved there will be clear disclosures now.
- I want to protect my family's privacy.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Retired (Miami, FL)
Age: 63 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I might not understand all the features, so this clarity is good.
- It's nice to know which gadgets are watching or listening.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Graphic Designer (New York, NY)
Age: 29 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Transparency is important, and this helps when browsing online shops.
- I like knowing exactly what I'm buying without much hassle.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Real Estate Agent (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm glad they'll be more straightforward with what has microphones or cameras.
- More companies should be upfront about product features, especially privacy-related ones.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
College Student (Boston, MA)
Age: 22 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy sounds useful for someone like me who checks everything before buying.
- It's like having an extra review about privacy!
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Factory Worker (Houston, TX)
Age: 56 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't usually think much about these details, but it sounds good.
- Better to have more information than less, I suppose.
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 |
Elementary School Teacher (Denver, CO)
Age: 31 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think everyone should be more aware of the devices they use daily.
- Good policy for promoting informed choices.
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 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $25000000)
Year 2: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $25000000)
Year 3: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $25000000)
Year 5: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $25000000)
Year 10: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $25000000)
Year 100: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $25000000)
Key Considerations
- The bill mandates specific disclosures which involve some implementation costs for manufacturers.
- Potential benefits include enhanced consumer knowledge and privacy protection.
- The scope of the bill excludes common personal electronics, potentially reducing compliance burdens.
- The effectiveness of disclosure requirements depends on consumer perception and understanding.