Amazon has announced a smart lock system that will allow packages to be delivered directly into their customers’ homes, and Twitter users are going wild imagining all of the things that could possibly go wrong.
The Amazon Key service works in conjunction with its Cloud Cam and smart lock to allow ‘thoroughly vetted’ delivery drivers inside shoppers’ homes if they aren’t there to receive their packages. Amazon Prime members can also create temporary passcodes for friends and other services professionals to enter as well.
Although the company insists that it’s drivers have ‘comprehensive background checks and motor vehicle records reviews,’ some Twitter users believe the new system is a recipe for disaster.
Innovation: Amazon has announced a smart lock system that will allow packages to be delivered directly into their customers’ homes, and Twitter users are going wild
Paranoia? People took to Twitter to share their fears about the new technology, with many imagining it will lead to murder
‘Amazon Key is a new service that allows strangers to enter your home, hide in your closet, and kill you in your sleep. Free with Prime!’ Michael Hicks tweeted, while Larissa Barrett added: ‘I’m excited to watch the 2030 Netflix docudrama about the Amazon Key murders.’
Lich Piana imagined a similar service that will be offered by Amazon in the future, writing: ‘Amazon Peace is an innovative new offering that will allow an Amazon worker to enter your home and smother you with an Amazon pillow.’
And Marie Connor joked: ‘The new season of Dateline is brought to you by Amazon Key – bringing stalkers and victims together in a hip new way.’
Just wondering: Some people questioned who came up with the concept
According to the company, delivery associates are told to ring a doorbell or knock when they arrive at someone’s house.
If no one greets them, they press ‘unlock’ in a mobile app, and Amazon checks its systems in an instant to make sure the right associate and package are present.
The camera then streams video to the customer who remotely can watch the in-home delivery take place. The associate cannot proceed with other trips until the home is again locked.
However, it is unclear if such protections will persuade customers that the service is safe to use.
Peace of mind: Amazon Prime users who opt to use the smart lock system can watch the in-home delivery take place
No thanks: Mica Busch shared this photo of his recent delivery to explain why he doesn’t want any couriers in his home
Just being honest: A woman named Kelsey admitted the service would just make her anxious about people hiding in her closet
Minor concern: Some people worried the system would lead to theft
‘I can’t imagine there were a lot of women (or perhaps any) on the team that came up with Amazon Key. Good lord,’ Charles Clymer tweeted, while a woman named Kelsey added: ‘Amazon key – shifting my anxiety over stolen packages on my doorstep to strangers hiding in my closet. Great plan.’
‘Know who’ll [heart emoji] this? The Amazon driver who returned to our house at 10pm, 4 hrs after delivery, asking my gf if he [could] come in for a “chat,”‘ Simon Wroe wrote.
Mica Busch shared a photo of one of his deliveries lying in a bush, writing: When they deliver things by chucking them over the gate into shrubberies, the last thing I want them to have is a key…’
Others were worried about everything from theft to the possibility their pets might get loose.
Added bonus: Those who opt to get Amazon Key can also create temporary passcodes for friends and other services professionals to enter as well
Mixed reviews: Shikki Mizuki shared this photo to explain how she feels about the technology
‘Looks pretty cool’: There were also plenty of people who are excited about Amazon Key, which will be available in 37 U.S. locations on November 8
Fan club: Blair Herter shared this photo to say that he is ‘totally okay’ with Amazon Key
Kevin Plantz imagined a future call to customer service, writing: ‘Hi. I used the Amazon Key service and now my Xbox is missing. Also, they let my cat out. I’d like to cancel.’
However, Peter Larsen, Amazon vice president of delivery technology, said in an interview that theft was ‘not something that happens in practice,’ based on early tests of the Amazon key program.
He added that if a problem arises, you can call customer service and file a claim, and customers can be reimbursed in some cases.
Of course, there are plenty of people who are excited about the new technology, which will save them from having to worry about their packages being stolen outside of their homes.
‘Amazon Key looks pretty cool tbh,’ a man named Josh wrote, and Blair Herter tweeted: I am totally okay with #AmazonKey. COME INSIDE AND LET’S GET WEIRD, BEZOS.
Amazon Key will be available on November 8 in 37 U.S. locations, and it isn’t the only company branching into this type of service.
Wal-Mart Stores, Amazon’s biggest retail rival, has similar plans.
The company announced last month that it would test delivering grocery items ‘straight into your fridge’ with August Home, a smart lock business that Assa Abloy AB said it will acquire.