Exclusive: Technology has long offered unique and often revolutionary advances in possibilities for individuals and businesses, but any advance in technology does come with a level of concern around its broader implications.
None more so perhaps than the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) over the last two years, and its implications going forward.
This week at IFA, Europe's biggest tech and appliance trade show, the term AI was used in everything from robots to fridges and washing machines and pretty much every gadget you can think of in the home.
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Interestingly, it was for me the first time I'd heard tangible uses for AI in home appliances with Samsung taking a new approach to explaining its use rather than just "AI enabled".
The company strongly believes that AI in appliances can make them easier to use, help you care for loved ones and pets and importantly save you money.
Critically though, Samsung was front and centre with the need for security to form part of that conversation.
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I sat down for an exclusive one-on-one with Samsung's global Executive Vice President, Head of the Research and Development Team for Digital Appliances, Jeong Seung Moon, to understand why this was such an important conversation to have.
First and foremost, it's about acknowledging the harm a lack of security could bring,
"I think for myself unless you provide robust security even if you provide wonderful functions regarding care, if there is a security or information breach then that could pose immense harm to consumers," Jeong Seung Moon said.
"So the basis for everything we believe is security and we are making a lot of efforts to ensure robust security.
"Samsung has longstanding expertise in developing security systems for the smartphone, and also connectivity as well," he said.
"The Knox system which was first applied to our mobile phones, providing very strong levels of security, has now been applied to our appliances."
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Perhaps the most important device within the home that needs protection is the robot vacuum, as Moon points out - as it has unique access and capabilities.
"I think among the devices inside the household, the robot vacuum cleaner requires a very robust and high level of security because, as you know, there are cameras, so there are video feeds that are captured. It can listen to your dialogue. So there is a high need for a very high level of security that is needed to protect privacy and personal information".
To back their own intent, Samsung has also submitted devices like their Bespoke Jet Bot Combo robot vacuum for certification from independent third parties, and has received endorsement from the Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA), which awarded the range with IoT Standard certification, as well as Security Certification from TÜV Nord IoT.
"I think that for consumers, these certifications will resonate with them," Jeong Seung Moon says.
But he acknowledges Samsung must stay vigilant and continue to invest in security, telling 9News: "We are trying to provide products with high levels of security, but as you know, hackers and the technologies they use continue to get more sophisticated. So accordingly, our security efforts also have to continue to grow as well."
AI can make our lives better, but AI without personal data security and privacy is a risk— simple as that.
Trevor Long travelled to IFA in Berlin with support from Samsung
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