3 Reasons Why I Don’t Allow Cameras in My Home

In the past few years, many of my co-workers, friends, and family have installed a home security system or a set of home security cameras.

Security tools grant them peace of mind and offer their property an extra layer of protection. Popular brands such as Ring, Google Nest, Vivint, SimpliSafe, Brinks, and ADT offer various home security packages to meet every homeowner’s or renter’s needs.

However, I’ve found myself somewhat reluctant to install indoor security cameras inside my home. Maybe it’s paranoia or perhaps I feel uncomfortable knowing that these cameras are recording me, my family and my guests every waking moment.

Let’s dive into why I’m hesitant to install security cameras in my home and what you should consider if you’re thinking about using technology to protect your home.

More Homeowners Installing Home Security Systems

In 2021, roughly around 336 million households worldwide had security cameras. That figure could rise to over 1 trillion by 2027. It’s more common to come across a house or apartment that uses home security cameras than to find one that doesn’t.

Smart security cameras are great tools – they monitor the inside and outside areas of your home, send you notifications if something goes wrong and can even act as deterrents to would-be intruders or criminals. What criminal would want to trespass if they know they’re being watched?

Violent crimes are typically the ones to make major news headlines. Still, property crimes such as burglary and car theft are much more common in the U.S. If you have young children or pets, like me, it’s terrifying to think about someone illegally entering your home, breaking into your vehicle, or committing any other type of crime.

Drawbacks of Using Indoor Security Cameras

While I do acknowledge that security cameras may grant me some peace of mind, especially when I’m not home, I still can’t get myself to purchase a security camera system. Knowing some of the drawbacks of using cameras inside your home is important.

Here are four reasons I don’t allow cameras in my home.

Cybersecurity Concerns

If I can access the cameras on my home’s internet connection, other people can, too. This is not to say it’s a guarantee that a hacker will hijack my home security cameras. However, it’s still something I worry about.

Aside from hackers, some security companies have untrustworthy employees who can access a customer’s cameras. In 2021, an investigation found an ADT employee spent four and a half years spying on female customers. In total, he viewed 220 accounts over 9,600 times. This is just one example of why I don’t trust indoor cameras.

Luxury Expense

When money is tight, I’m more concerned about putting food on the table, buying new clothes for my children and filling up my gas tank. My home is my biggest asset – but I’m lucky to live in a quiet, safe neighborhood with low crime rates. I know not everyone has the same luxury. Still, I’m less inclined to put security cameras inside my home.

I know you can spend as little or as much as you want on home security tools, but according to Security.org, indoor cameras cost around $100. I’d rather employ other home security measures before spending that $100 bucks, which I could use for other crucial expenses.

Lack of Privacy

I host several parties each year at my home, including get-togethers on major holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving. When I have guests come over, I want them to feel comfortable. If they see security cameras on every wall, they may feel concerned or like someone is watching them unnecessarily.

I value my guests’ expectations of privacy more than other people, so I don’t plan on using indoor cameras. If I trust my guests to enter my home, I don’t feel the need to spy on their every move. The same goes for my household. I want my home to feel comfortable and be a safe haven for us.

Aside from security cameras, I’m also a bit concerned about using computers with built-in webcams. My roommate works from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but I sometimes wonder if that camera stays on if they’re away from their computer.

Who can access that camera? I know their company can monitor the screen during the workday, but does that apply to their webcam? I don’t know all of the answers to these questions, but I do know that I deserve privacy in the comfort of my own home.

Should You Have Cameras Inside Your Home?

If you’re a property owner like me, you know how critical it is to protect your family. You probably store important documents in a safe, lock your doors when you leave the house, or use motion-activated sensors to alert you to any suspicious activity.

Web-connected cameras may be right for your home, so don’t hesitate to splurge on cameras to protect yourself. As for me, I plan on using other security measures to grant me peace of mind.