Controversial smoke detectors installed by Vonovia now found in Berlin residences
In a recent modernization announcement, German housing giant Vonovia unveiled its innovative Multisensor Plus smoke alarms. These devices, while touted as improving safety and offering optional comfort functions for better indoor climate, have sparked controversy among tenants and housing activists.
The Multisensor Plus not only goes off when there's a fire, but it can also collect and transmit numerous data, including carbon monoxide, humidity, and temperature. This raises concerns about privacy, as general knowledge suggests that smart devices that collect data can potentially monitor more than just smoke or fire signals, such as motion, sound, or other environmental data that could be linked to tenant behavior.
Tenants and activists, including Jasmina Ruhl of the Berlin alliance against Vonovia, fear that the collected data could be used against them. For instance, there are concerns that the data might be used to blame tenants for mold in their apartments, or even to determine when tenants are home. Another concern is the potential for hacking, allowing someone to gain unwarranted access to this personal information.
Despite these concerns, the available search results do not provide explicit information regarding privacy issues associated with Vonovia's Multisensor Plus devices. It is not possible to confirm if such privacy issues exist with their units or how any data might be used against tenants without specific evidence or details about the devices.
However, it's worth noting that the costs of installing six smoke detectors, as per Vonovia's modernization announcement, amount to 4.31 euros per month after deducting the maintenance share, plus an additional 1.76 euros in operating costs. This has led some, like Niklas Schenker, the housing policy spokesperson for the Berlin Left faction, to question whether Vonovia is trying to increase the rent with these new devices.
On the other hand, Vonovia classifies the installation of high-tech smoke alarms as a modernization measure that can be passed on to the rent. The company also argues that these devices offer benefits beyond just safety, such as providing tenants with tips for improving indoor climate and recommendations for improving energy efficiency based on the collected data.
Meanwhile, the Hamburg Tenants' Association has calculated additional rental income of 16 million euros per year for the entire housing stock of Vonovia with an investment volume of 200 million euros. This has further fueled suspicions that the installation of these smart smoke alarms is more about generating revenue than enhancing tenant safety and comfort.
As the debate continues, it's clear that more detailed and specific information about Vonovia's smoke alarms and their privacy aspects is required for a comprehensive understanding of the situation. Further investigation from reliable sources beyond the current search results would be necessary to address the privacy concerns and ensure the best interests of tenants are being protected.
- The controversy surrounding Vonovia's Multisensor Plus smoke alarms extends to concerns about data privacy, as these devices collect and transmit numerous data points beyond just smoke signals.
- The fear among tenants and housing activists is that these data could potentially be used against them, especially in instances of mold in their apartments or determining their presence in the property.
- In the realm of finance, the installation of these high-tech smoke alarms could lead to increased monthly costs for tenants, potentially raising the question of whether Vonovia is attempting to increase rent.
- Beyond safety offered by the Multisensor Plus, Vonovia argues that the devices provide benefits like energy efficiency recommendations based on collected data and tips for better indoor climate.
- The Hamburg Tenants' Association estimates that annual rental income for Vonovia could increase by 16 million euros with an investment of 200 million euros in their housing stock, fueling suspicions that the installation is more about revenue generation than tenant safety and comfort.
- As the debate unfolds, policy-and-legislation and technology sectors, along with the general-news media, play a pivotal role in shedding light on the privacy aspects of these smart-home-devices, ensuring transparency, and protecting the interests of tenants.
