ⒾMachine translations by Deepl

Public event: the “Smart” Doorbell?!

On 24 March next, the Smart Doorbell Consortium is organising a public event at the Volkshotel in Amsterdam on doorbells that can also film and are connected to the internet: “smart” doorbells. Speakers include Marc Schuilenburg, Sander Flight and Renske Heijungs. The event will also cover the consortium's various activities. If you would like to know more and join us in discussing the privacy aspects of “smart” doorbell cameras, be welcome!

It is impossible to imagine the Netherlands without smart doorbells: there are now around 1.6 million hanging in Dutch households. These devices increase the sense of security and convenience for many, but at the same time also raise important privacy, legal and design issues. For this reason, in 2024 the Smart Doorbells Consortium set up. The Smart Doorbell Consortium is an initiative of the Responsible Sensing Lab, AMS Institute, municipality of Amsterdam, municipality of Groningen, municipality of The Hague, municipality of Breda, VNG, TU Delft and Privacy First. The consortium has spent the past year exploring how this technology can be used more responsibly and what measures are needed to protect both users and passers-by.

Research shows that many users are unaware of the social and privacy impact of smart doorbells and that conversations with neighbours about the bell hardly ever take place. At the same time, the technology also offers benefits as well as opportunities for improvement. An open conversation is important to arrive together at responsible application of this fast-growing technology.

During this meeting, we will join this conversation with experts, designers and policymakers and explore the opportunities offered by new insights, regulations and design standards. In addition, we will present insights from the consortium-initiated National survey on perceptions about smart doorbells by Ipsos and a local awareness campaign. We also talk about the findings of recent legal research To VNG's regulatory and enforcement options.

Programme:

  • Walk-in
  • Presentation on the findings and insights of the Smart Doorbell Consortium
  • Lectures with experts from technology, law, design and government
  • Interactive panel discussion with the audience
  • Drinks

Speakers include:

Sander Flight, researcher and consultant for the (semi-)public sector specialising in camera surveillance and privacy.

Marc Schuilenburg, professor of Digital Surveillance at the Erasmus School of Law. He researches how AI affects public safety and crime fighting. And how these technologies can be designed with attention to democratic values such as transparency, accountability and justice.

Renske Heijungs, director of supervision and investigation at the Personal Data Authority (AP). The AP is the independent Dutch regulator on privacy and protection of personal data, including the smart doorbell.

For whom.

Anyone with an interest in smart technology, privacy, security or social impact is welcome: policymakers, residents, designers, researchers, journalists, enforcers and concerned professionals.

Admission is free. Donations to Privacy First, however, are greatly appreciated. Sign up can be done via this link, but is not mandatory.

Date: Tuesday 24 March 2026, 1.30-4.30pm (Walk-in from 1pm, drinks afterwards).
Location: Volkshotel, Wibautstraat 150 in Amsterdam (main hall). Directions can be found here: https://www.volkshotel.nl/nl/directions/.