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BACKGROUND Smart home technology (SHT) can be useful for aging in place or health related purposes. However, surveillance researchers have highlighted ethical issues with SHTs, including those pertaining to user privacy, security, and autonomy. OBJECTIVE As digital technology is most often designed for younger adults, this review summarizes user perceptions of SHTs with users aged 50+ to explore their understandings of privacy, purpose of data collection, risk and safety. METHODS Through an integrative review, we explored community-dwelling adults’ (aged 50+) perceptions of SHTs based on research questions under four non-mutually exclusive themes: privacy, purpose of data collection, risk and benefits, and safety. 15 user perception studies on SHT users aged 50+ were included. RESULTS The 15 included studies explored user perception of smart speakers, motion sensors, or home monitoring systems. 13 studies (87%) discussed user privacy concerns regarding data collection and access. Four studies (27%) explored user knowledge of data collection purposes. Seven studies (47%) featured risk-related concerns such as data breaches and third-party misuse, and benefits such as convenience. Nine studies (60%) reported user enthusiasm about the potential for home safety. CONCLUSIONS Due to the growing size of aging populations and advances in technological capabilities, regulators and designers should focus on user concerns. In conjunction with ethical by-design approaches, we recommend Taylor’s conception of data justice as a regulatory approach that can empower SHT users in their data management goals. This way, regulation and design can enhance safety benefits while diminishing risks to privacy, security, and autonomy.

Background Many older adults wish to use smart homes for aging in place, health monitoring, and enhanced safety. However, concerns over privacy and security remain pressing. User perception studies can help to inform policy and design solutions. Aim: To explore community-dwelling older adults’ (50+) perceptions of smart home surveillance. Methods As part of a larger scoping review of smart home user perception based on four non-mutually exclusive categories: privacy, safety, purpose of data collection, and risk, we found 68 results. 15 studies focused on older adults exclusively and were included in this review. Results The included studies mainly focused on smart speakers, motion sensors, or home monitoring systems. 13 studies (87%) discussed user privacy concerns in terms of data collection and access. Nine studies (60%) reported that users were enthusiastic about the potential for home safety, improved health outcomes and independent living with smart homes. Seven risk awareness studies (47%) featured a range of perspectives on sharing sensitive information due to the possibility of data breaches and third-party misuse, with some reporting a willingness to trade privacy for enhanced safety. Finally, four studies (27%) explored user knowledge of data collection purposes. While many were uncertain of the details, users were generally more comfortable sharing smart home data with healthcare professionals than others. Conclusion This review has helped us in creating a user perception survey that is currently in the fielding stage. Given Canada’s increasing aging population and technological advances, privacy regulators and designers should focus on older adults’ concerns.