A government minister expressed “cyber security” concerns when asked by MPs whether she had a smart speaker at home.
Minister Julia Lopez of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport vowed not to “divulge” whatever gadgets she personally owns.
It happened when she questioned about government initiatives to guarantee that linked and smart technology is secure and safe for families.
Any “gadget” linked to the internet “creates a degree of danger,” Ms. Lopez said.
She would not admit to owning a smart speaker, but she denied any claims that security officials had instructed ministers not to use them.
In response to concerns about privacy invasion by means of devices linked to Whitehall networks, the Government imposed limitations on the use of security cameras built in China in “critical” places in November.
Ms. Lopez was questioned about whether the National Cyber Security Centre had urged ministers not to use smart speakers when she appeared before the House of Commons Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport Committee this morning.
“On an individual level? She remarked, “I’ve never been informed that I don’t have a smart speaker.”
When asked whether she had a smart speaker, Ms. Lopez said, “I wouldn’t share my security measures for my personal life, and I don’t believe I should divulge precisely which gadgets I have in my house simply as a type of cyber security step.”
I must confess that I’m not the greatest when it comes to linked technology. However, I believe it is more due to the fact that I doubt its value in my life than anything else.
Is it ever advisable for a politician to disclose what is in their home, how it is protected, etc.? she continued. Most likely not.
Damian Green, the chairman of the Tory committee, responded to the minister by saying, “I would hate to be putting your security at danger.”
To be quite honest, I have no idea whether you have a smart speaker or not.
Later, Ms. Lopez was questioned about the dangers that linked technology and smart gadgets pose to families.
Any gadget that is online poses some kind of danger to the whole network, she added.
It is our responsibility as a Department to attempt to reduce some of the security threats that might result from internet-connected products.
A cybersecurity expert testified before a different committee of MPs in March 2017 that she would not “trust” a smart speaker such an Amazon Alexa in her own house. The committee was looking at potential new legislation on linked technologies.
I have no faith in them. We’re there. Because I don’t trust it, I won’t have one, said University College London professor Madeline Carr.
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