Google Analytics included in V4.080 update

[speedy 64]

In the latest update of HC2 V4.080 Google Analytics is included.

I have not seen this anywhere in any changelog.

 

So i would like to know:

 

Exactly what type of data is collected and how is it used?

How is this data collected, by fibaro (or by Google)?

Is this data then used by Google in any way?

 

My concern here is that we all have a lot of personal data in our systems.

Phone IDs, GSP locations, home and away status, network structures, passwords, alarms, cameras and everything else.

 

Maybe I'm just being paranoid but for me it feels wrong to be monitored by this when i don't know anything about it.

Whats being collected or how this data i used...

This is like having a Google server directly connected to the inside of my network

This is very different from just browsing the web with a browser..

 

When not informing properly about this and not making it an "opt in" service it feels really strange.

 

Fibaro, any clarification about this?

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[tinman 1,070]

Google Analytics is included since 4.071, afaik with serial number, firmware version and execution counter only. This is so far ok (for me), that data is anyway collected when one is using remote access via home.fibaro.com, but of course not that pretty (and management friendly

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/emoticons/default_icon_wink.gif" alt=";-)" /> )​ as analytics is.

[speedy 64]

Well actually i have no problem with Fibaro collecting that type of data, if Fibaro stated it clearly that they do.

Your statements does lead me to further questions.

 

Google Analytics is included since 4.071, afaik with serial number, firmware version and execution counter only.

How do you know this is the case and that only that data is collected?

(I don't use Beta so V4.080, was the first time i saw this)

 

data is anyway collected when one is using remote access via home.fibaro.com, but of course not that pretty (and management friendly 

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Well that should not be the case as Fibaro has stated that they not store any data. (old post, maybe this policy has changed?)

A.Socha: 

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And how do you know the data is collected in (only) that way?

 

And also, i don't use home.fibaro.com i use DDNS but that should not matter anyhow as Fibaro doesn't save any data.

 

So, i don't want to make an endless discussion here about what,when,where,who,if.

I just want to know exactly why Google analytics is included when Fibaro states that they don't store any data.

And why we where not informed and why there isn't an "opt in" option for this.

 

Just to clarify, I'm fine with sharing encrypted, anonymous, non traceable data to improve a service.

But an "opt in" option is a must with a detailed explanation of how, what, where, when this data is used.

This is not a phone and a browser, this is a computer connected to my personal network that controls everything in my house and my customers houses.

[sebaszz 2]

Fully agree, no need for endless discussion but at least inform and provide options...

[tinman 1,070]

Your statements does lead me to further questions.

 

How do you know this is the case and that only that data is collected?

(I don't use Beta so V4.080, was the first time i saw this)

 

i always doing my "home work" meaning checking what behind the black box.

[Guest 22]

Not sure if you are aware, but every notifications (SMS, e-mail and push content) send by HC2 are also going through the Fibaro server! (over https)

Even "attached" pictures to an e-mail! So do not do anything crazy in front of your camera(s)

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[Bamsefar 13]

Not sure if you are aware, but every notifications (SMS, e-mail and push content) send by HC2 are also going through the Fibaro server! (over https)

Even "attached" pictures to an e-mail! So do not do anything crazy in front of your camera(s)

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Yes I know - I am working on a work around for that

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/emoticons/default_icon_wink.gif" alt=";-)" /> However that is a rather long way from being completed... There are challenges...

[Guest 22]

My way of workaround is by using Telegram (see:

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 )

[j.nowacki 5]

Home Center devices feature Google Analytics scripts that gather anonymous data about usage of web and mobile interface (e.g. operating system, browser, language) and visited subpages as well as basic information about controller itself (e.g. software version). This information is stored on Google services and used solely by Fibaro for internal purposes. We use it to estimate number of active controllers, analyse usual flow in interface and detect potential problems with loading pages (loading time). All information is totally anonymous. Every future change in that matter can be found in our Privacy Policy, which is displayed alongside changelog disclaimer, with every update.

[1152 33]

Fibaro, good to see a prompt response. That said, as pointed out previously: As smart technology like Fibaro´s HC2 system grows and is more and more integrated in our private and personal life - trust is paramount. So be open about it. We all both at your and our side need to share a common understanding.

 

And sooner or later I think all major players have experienced a glitch, or breach of security. Some put their trust in Apple other Microsoft, I hope I can trust Fibaro - or I will have to find another solution for my home.

[tinman 1,070]

Every future change in that matter can be found in our Privacy Policy, which is displayed alongside changelog disclaimer, with every update.

just in case someone hasn't got the differences (just search for "google")

 

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[Lambik 194]

Home Center devices feature Google Analytics scripts that gather anonymous data about usage of web and mobile interface (e.g. operating system, browser, language) and visited subpages as well as basic information about controller itself (e.g. software version). This information is stored on Google services and used solely by Fibaro for internal purposes. We use it to estimate number of active controllers, analyse usual flow in interface and detect potential problems with loading pages (loading time). All information is totally anonymous. Every future change in that matter can be found in our Privacy Policy, which is displayed alongside changelog disclaimer, with every update.

Please add option to disable (opt-in/opt-out) this, like all other good software builders do. Let users decide!

 

I'm not saying that I don't trust Fibaro, it's a way to protect my data. Data can be breeched. Data which isn't there can't be misused. Better safe then sorry.

 

Just my opinion I live by.

 

Just keep your promise:

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[tinman 1,070]

Let users decide!

 

"checkboxes": "I have fully read, understood and accepted the terms of this Disclaimer."

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[Lambik 194]

"checkboxes": "I have fully read, understood and accepted the terms of this Disclaimer."

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Your kidding right?

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[remcoploeg 10]

It was stunning when I read this post. I never read somewhere in release notes that Google Analytics is used. Yes I 'trust' Fibaro, but I don't trust Google with their business model. So share with us as CUSTOMER what you are doing and storing and let us opt out of this functionality. I choose Fibaro and not Google... BTW focus on the real things to work on the system in stead of adding extra functionality again as Google Analytics

[Guest 22]

Most routers / modems have a parent control option. Just add the offending URL(s) to it....

[Sankotronic 2,370]

There is only one way to protect our privacy and sensible data: disconnect completely from the internet and never connect again. Give up on mobile phones, computers and all "smart" things and there we are, almost fully protected. 

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[speedy 64]

Thank you for the prompt reply J.Nowacki.

However, having read the privacy statement i do have some questions.

 

Nowhere in the V4.080 statement does it say that this data is "anonymous".

The word "anonymous" isn't anywhere to be found in the text.

 

​What is found though is information that doesn't match with your statement.

Home Center devices feature Google Analytics scripts that gather anonymous data about usage of web and mobile interface (e.g. operating system, browser, language) and visited subpages as well as basic information about controller itself (e.g. software version).

The data thats gathered is far mor extensive than what you imply.

 

""

Information about your interactions with the Service, 

Technical data, which may include 

URL information, 

the types of devices you are using to access or connect to the Fibaro Service, 

device attributes, 

network connection type, 

network and device performance,

browser type, language, 

operating system, 

general localization data (eg. country, city, region), 

usage statistics (eg. time of usage, number of active users), 

interaction with Service statistics, service crash information, and Fibaro application version.

""

What is : "network and device performance," and what does this include among others?

 

And this information also doesn't match with the privacy statement.

You do share the data with others.

This information is stored on Google services and used solely by Fibaro for internal purposes.

 

""

Fibaro may also subcontract processing to, or share your information with, third parties located in countries other than your home country.

 

""

 

 

All information is totally anonymous. 

From the privacy statement:

"Where a third party processes user data being personal information on our behalf"

 

Im sorry but how can a third party process personal information data when everything is "totally anonymous"?

 

And for all others, some data will always go through servers (GPS, push, camera, mail and all other things) etc but that can be anonymous and encrypted.

(As it should be) And that is a different thing to collecting network information from inside my router.

 

I have through the years used many different "smart home" system as an installer.

Chrestron, Lutron, IHC that became Elko living systems, CUE etc but this is the first time i don't have complete control over whats being sent where.

 

Im not paranoid, i don't want to create a super big deal about this.

I want the option to choose for myself if i want to share all this information from my personal home with Fibaro and all its "third parties".

 

And not with an "all or nothing" switch, thats just not right as GPS etc is critical to the function of the system but collecting my network data is not.

Perhaps a "Don't use Google analytics" option?

 

Finally.

I want an "Opt In" option when sharing data, or that all my data is totally anonymous, it doesn't say that in the privacy statement.

 

[chaicka 195]

May I ask in my opinion?

 

I simply DO NOT TRUST GOOGLE with regards to PRIVACY. Period.

 

Google has been found guilty of breaching privacy on just too many occasions, even disrespect 'DO NOT TRACK' option of Safari (Google ended up with a hefty fine, I think), just to name a few. It can never be totally anonymous. Only fools believe that when data is send to Google Analytics. I don't even trust Google+ cause I have found some small evidence and simulated (some time back) on how my personal identity info gets leaked/searchable/showing up somewhere on the Internet. Even having contact number in Facebook resulted in leak and surface on Internet.

 

So, please!!! I want an OPT-OUT option (as long as it has anything to do with Google)!!!

 

And I should not have to spend efforts and time to keep tab of Google servers' IP addresses to keep blocking traffic to them. And I DO NOT USE any Android device - at home or at work, hence what does the changelog mention of "Google Mobile Developer Services" got to do with HC2?

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