Image via Amazon
No Thanks, Amazon
Amazon is always on the lookout for innovative ways to enhance our lives. From Alexa ordering dinner to smart devices that entertain us, they certainly think outside the box. However, their latest offering, Amazon Key, takes this concept a bit too far—potentially right through your front door and into your home.
Announced recently, Amazon Key allows Prime members to have their packages delivered directly inside their homes. That’s right! If you purchase the Amazon In-Home Key Kit, which includes a security camera and a smart lock starting at $249, you can give delivery drivers access to enter your home and drop off your packages.
In the near future, users will also be able to grant access to friends, neighbors, cleaning services, or even the dog walker. Essentially, anyone you choose can waltz right into your home—what a comforting thought, right?
“Fantastic idea,” said no one ever. “I’ve always wanted to let strangers into my house,” said no one in a follow-up conversation.
To gauge public reaction, we turned to social media, where the feedback was overwhelmingly negative.
While not every delivery driver is untrustworthy, it’s important to note that you likely don’t know the names or backgrounds of every Amazon delivery person who comes to your door. Yes, the included security camera is meant to provide peace of mind, but it might just end up capturing a random person enjoying your coat rack while you’re away at work.
The Amazon Key also unlocks your door for a maximum of five minutes. While this might sound reassuring, it’s actually quite a long time when you think about it. In five minutes, you could probably grab a ton of items from your home—your kids’ backpacks, their missing shoes, or even a piece of furniture if you’re in a hurry.
Amazon claims that drivers will knock before entering, but they haven’t clarified what kind of knock that will be. A gentle tap versus a heavy thud could mean the difference between a polite delivery and an unexpected scare while in your pajamas. Plus, there’s a significant difference between someone knocking on your front door versus a window.
Of course, package theft is a real issue for many people, and this could be a way to counteract it. But does allowing strangers into your home really solve the problem? It’s akin to saying, “I won’t get robbed if I just hand over my valuables.” Brilliant strategy, right?
Amazon, let’s rethink this next time. A little input from a diverse group could save you a lot of backlash. “Here’s a concept: what if we just let delivery drivers open your door and—” “No.”
That’s all for now.