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    1. Alarms & Monitoring
    2. Alarm Systems & Intrusion Detection

    ESA, TMA dispute Google's recent statement on security system microphones

    March 5, 2019
    Organizations say tech giant's assertion that systems 'often use microphones' misrepresent the vast majority of installed residential security systems

    Source Electronic Security Association (ESA) and The Monitoring Association (TMA)

    (TNS/NEST)
    Google has admitted that Nest Guard, pictured above, has a built-in microphone whose existence the company failed to disclose in any of the product’s literature.
    Google has admitted that Nest Guard, pictured above, has a built-in microphone whose existence the company failed to disclose in any of the product’s literature.

    Recent reporting by various publications have highlighted the undisclosed, on-board microphone discovered in Google’s Nest Guard Security Device—raising serious privacy concerns among consumers. The Monitoring Association (TMA) and the Electronic Security Association (ESA), on Tuesday called into question the validity of Google’s published statements concerning the use of microphones in security devices.

    According to TMA and ESA, statements such as, “security systems often include microphones to provide features that rely on sound sensing,” misrepresent the vast majority of today’s residential security systems installed throughout the country.

    Since audio recording includes privacy and legal complexities, it’s not extremely common in residential installations. Security professionals and integrators consult with customers and ensure all federal and state laws are abided by.

    “Adding audio surveillance can certainly make for a more robust system,” says ESA President, Chris Mosley. “We’re seeing exciting advancements in the audio surveillance category, such as acoustic sensors and microphones that can help us detect gunfire or when voices become elevated that could indicate potential violence. However, sweeping statements to infer that residential systems commonly have this feature are simply not accurate.”

    Louroe Electronics, an ESA Member company and 40-year-old manufacturer of audio-based technologies concurs with this analysis. “Sound-based technology in security systems is common in law enforcement, institutional, and smart city installations. However, the use of microphones for surveillance in residences is extremely rare on account of heightened expectations of privacy,” says the company’s CEO, Richard Brent.

    “Security systems are now an important part of the customer home experience in that we can integrate with audio assistance,” says Ivan Spector, TMA President. “However professionally installed and monitored security systems are not designed to record data and conversations unbeknownst to our customers.” 

    According to both associations, adding microphones and audio capabilities to security systems adds another level of precaution that must be taken to install the system in a way that protects the privacy of the consumer.

    Professionally installed systems have the backing of technology experts who know the full capability of the system and its components and can appropriately safeguard these systems, so as not to compromise privacy.