Assisted living video technologies that prioritise privacy
Video-based technologies can support active and assisted living (AAL) by detecting falls, monitoring daily activities and providing valuable insights for care. Their use in private spaces however has raised serious concerns about privacy, autonomy and dignity. “Many people are uncomfortable with the idea of being constantly watched,” explains visuAAL(opens in new window) project coordinator Francisco Florez-Revuelta from the University of Alicante(opens in new window) in Spain. “This fear of surveillance has led to low acceptance, and as a result, many innovations never reach the market.”
Appropriate use of video-based technologies
The project, which was supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions(opens in new window) programme, sought to bridge the gap between user needs and the appropriate, secure use of video-based technologies in AAL. It focused on providing supportive care for older adults managing their health and well-being, and deepening the awareness and understanding of the ethical, legal and societal issues connected with video-based systems. At the heart of the project was a training network of 17 early-stage researchers (ESRs). This network approached the challenges of video-based AAL from multiple perspectives. Some ESRs focused on developing privacy-preserving video processing methods, while others examined legal compliance with data protection laws, or investigated user acceptance and ethical concerns. “Each ESR actively shared knowledge and methods with others,” says Florez-Revuelta. “This interdisciplinary cooperation allowed technical solutions to be informed by legal requirements, ethical principles and real user concerns.”
Privacy-by-design and privacy-by-context solutions
The research confirmed that privacy is a major concern for older adults. “Users are more willing to accept cameras in shared or less intimate areas but strongly resist their use in private spaces like bathrooms or bedrooms,” adds Florez-Revuelta. “To address these concerns, the project developed privacy-by-design and privacy-by-context solutions, such as blurring or masking features based on who is watching, what activity is being monitored, and where the monitoring takes place.” visuAAL found that people are more likely to trust systems that are transparent. ESRs also analysed legislation, case law and privacy-enhancing technologies, offering recommendations(opens in new window) for updating legal models and informing international policy. The project also advanced the development of a privacy-by-context approach, which adapts privacy protection in video-based AAL technologies to the specific situation in which monitoring occurs, and tested a range of video-based AAL applications.
Continued collaboration with industry and healthcare providers
These results have helped to advance an understanding of how video-based technologies can be used in AAL without compromising the rights, dignity and preferences of older adults. The project showed that acceptance of these technologies depends not just on technical performance, but on how well they address these concerns. “The findings can directly inform the design of AAL systems that are safer, more respectful and more likely to be adopted,” notes Florez-Revuelta. “They also provide guidance for developers, regulators and care providers on how to align innovation with user needs and legal obligations.” Next steps include refining and expanding privacy-aware video-based technologies for real-world use. Tailoring solutions to different cultural and individual contexts, and testing them in long-term, real-life care environments, will be crucial for their broader adoption. “Continued collaboration with industry, healthcare providers, policymakers and user communities will help move these innovations from research to practice,” concludes Florez-Revuelta. “At the same time, investing in training and interdisciplinary research will ensure future developments continue to prioritise both effectiveness and respect for users’ rights and dignity.”
