New research by Monash University, RMIT and Intel Corporation shows smart home technology continues to be associated with expressions of masculinity and may pose unexpected security threats for women and victims of domestic violence.
The study revealed concerns that smart home technologies could be used for privacy invasion or as a form of intimidation by locking people in or out of their properties and allow for the monitoring of their movements and activities.
Research leader, Associate Professor Yolande Stengers said the technology’s shortcomings are partly attributed to a male-dominated designing and selling process, and a poor understanding of household diversity.