Majority of Dutch people use ‘smart’ device such as lamp or thermostat

These figures emerge from research by the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS). A part of the population is concerned about security and privacy, the research also shows.

The devices in question fall under the umbrella of the ‘internet of things’ and offer new possibilities, such as turning on the heating in the train home or dimming all the lights without getting up from the couch. Devices such as the smart electricity meter and advanced alarm system also fall under the heading of Statistics Netherlands.

Security remains an obstacle

Such devices they also carry risks. Security is not always in order. As a result, there is a risk that hackers will break into such devices and get their hands on sensitive information, such as images from a security camera. The European Commission therefore announced last month that it wanted to tighten the product requirements for such devices in order to better protect them against hackers.

A quarter of people who do not use such smart devices cite privacy as one of the reasons, an equally large group cite security. Most Dutch people without such a device simply do not need it. The devices are also often considered too expensive.

The Netherlands absolute frontrunner

This does not alter the fact that the majority does own a smart home appliance. This is mainly because many Dutch people have a water, gas or electricity meter at home that can be read remotely, namely six out of ten respondents. Furthermore, virtual assistants such as Siri and Google Home and smart thermostats, lighting and plugs are also regularly used.

In the European Union, 8 percent of residents between the ages of 16 and 75 have a household appliance that is connected to the internet. The Netherlands far exceeds this with 69 percent.