Some gadgets designed to keep older adults safe pose significant privacy perils, according to a recent Next Avenue article

“The technologies are amazing,” says Vivienne Ming, neuroscientist, entrepreneur and founder of the independent think tank Socos Labs in Berkeley, California. But when it comes to privacy issues, Ming says, “everything we are thinking about for the rest of us, run it up to 11 or maybe 15. Because we become more vulnerable with time.”

For instance, some GPS trackers can be tricked into turning over real-time locations by anyone sending a text message with a keyword. “What’s more,” the article says, “anyone can call the device and remotely listen in to its built-in microphone.”

The article describes other privacy-related concerns related to caregiving technology and closes with a call for tough privacy regulations and initiatives in the high-tech caregiving industry.

• Should safety take priority over independence for older parents?