Perception of Smart Home Devices and Privacy by Chinese Users

Abstract

Smart home products have become more and more popular in China, especially from local brands. Being connected devices, they facilitate the collection and sharing of data gathered from inside the home. However, there is little understanding how Chinese users feel about privacy in the context of the smart home. In this study, we interview nine users about smart home products and potential privacy concerns. We found three major themes: Users expect products to be smarter, different aspects of privacy matter in different contexts, and protection from harm as the most important factor. These findings have design implications for both Chinese and foreign smart home companies.