Consumers express deepening concerns over data collection, transparency and surveillance in third“ Smart Home Data Privacy” study of 2,000 U. S. homeowners

PHOTO CREDIT: ADOBE @ SAKLAKOVA

released the results of its 2026 Smart Home Data Privacy Study, revealing that growing interest in energy saving tools is intersecting with increasing consumer concern over how manufacturers collect and use personal data in connected homes.

The report comes at a time when U. S. energy costs continue to outpace inflation – up 5 % in the past year and nearly 30 % since 2021, according to the Consumer Price Index – driving more homeowners to adopt smart technologies to help reduce energy consumption and manage monthly bills.

Now in its third iteration, the study shows that while smart home ownership remains steady, trust in manufacturers’ data practices is moving in the opposite direction, creating a widening gap that could slow the broader transition to connected, energy saving technologies. This tension is creating a pivotal moment for the smart home technology industry as consumers weigh efficiency gains against uncertainty over privacy.

“ Even as homeowners continue to adopt smart technology and, in fact, feel comfortable with smart tech overall, their expectations around privacy continue to rise,” said Brendan O’ Toole vice president, smart home and energy management for Copeland.“ This year’ s findings underscore a clear reality: people are no longer willing to trade personal data for convenience. Privacy is now a deciding factor in adoption and companies must treat trust as a core feature, not an afterthought.”

Growing Reliance on Smart Tech Meets Growing Skepticism The 2026 study found that privacy and security continue to dominate consumer concerns:

Worries about data privacy among smart thermostat owners reflect growing unease

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