Twitter is not pleased with Amazon’s new “Amazon Key” feature

When tech companies announce new features and products, there’s usually some grumbling on social media. Although sometimes it’s just snark for snark’s sake — like when Apple released their wireless earbuds last year — sometimes Twitter has a pretty valid point. This just may be the case with Twitter’s reaction to Amazon’s new “Amazon Key” feature. In case you missed it, the Amazon Key feature is supposed to be part of your eventual connected home and facilitate easier deliveries.
But it does so in a slightly unsettling way.
Basically, you allow delivery people to open up the door to your home and leave your Prime packages in your foyer. You could also let in your dog walker, a neighbor, or anyone else you needed to get into your house that you trusted. To make it work, you’d have to have Amazon’s Cloud Cam, which is their home locking service.
A delivery person or friend would have to scan a barcode to unlock your door, get in, and do whatever they have to do. There’s a camera that comes with Amazon’s lock, so you’ll be able to watch everything in real time. And if anything were to happen, there’s video footage.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wn7DBdaUNLA?feature=oembed
Many on Twitter were less than convinced that this is a good idea, since it involves letting a stranger into your home. And cameras are great and all, but they won’t exactly protect you while you’re in danger.
Here was just some of the online feedback:
#Amazonkey gonna have all kinds of psychos signing up to be delivery men
— Kryseliz (@gurlytina) October 26, 2017
Amazon Key- For people who like the convenience of Amazon but want the thrill of being the next case on Dateline. pic.twitter.com/6vfJtIxnxT
— Michael Evon (@EvonDesign) October 25, 2017
false false
Amazon key – shifting my anxiety over stolen packages on my doorstep to strangers hiding in my closet. Great plan 👏🏻👏🏻
— Kelsey (@TheMeridianMom) October 25, 2017
COUPLES COSTUME
YOU: amazon key
ME: calling 911 when a stranger walks into my home— anne t donahue (@annetdonahue) October 25, 2017
*Calls Customer Service*
Hi. I used the Amazon Key service and now my Xbox is missing. Also, they let my cat out. I’d like to cancel.
— 𝓚𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓷 𝓟𝓵𝓪𝓷𝓽𝔃 (@KevinPlantz) October 25, 2017
false false
HOWEVER, Some people weren’t totally put off by the idea.
false
Amazon Key gon be able to slightly get in the door and thats it pic.twitter.com/GcJX9jFC4S
— Beamin' ☭ (@xNickBeam) October 25, 2017
Amazon: do we have permission to leave your package using Amazon Key?
Me: sure
*later* pic.twitter.com/EOKtEwyfWq— Umair Siddiqui (@OfficialUmairS) October 25, 2017
"Amazon Key – – For When Craigslist Can't Get You Murdered Fast Enough!"
— Regi Brittain (@RegiBrittain) October 25, 2017
That time when amazon waited an entire 6 months to celebrate April Fools Day!#Amazonkey pic.twitter.com/z0qjNS1STv
— Nikki (@lyonsheart21) October 26, 2017
Others had more serious, very valid fears.
Amazon Key is another example of something capitalism takes for granted that actually gets black folks killed.
— Marco Rogers (@polotek) October 25, 2017
Amazon Key comes with a camera so instead of stolen packages you can real-time watch someone assault a delivery person and rob your house.
— Alt Fed Employee (@Alt_FedEmployee) October 25, 2017
Amazon Key has so much potential for bad situations. Rape, assault, hidden cams, theft… Service sounds great but a hacker could do damage
— Ray (@Raymundg15) October 25, 2017
imagine being a black amazon delivery driver and using this new amazon key to open some white person's door to drop off a package
— thicc puppie (@thicc_puppie) October 25, 2017
false
I can't imagine there were a lot of women (or perhaps any) on the team that came up with Amazon Key. Good lord.
— Charlotte Clymer 🏳️⚧️🇺🇦 (@cmclymer) October 25, 2017
Maybe in the future the world will be a kinder, gentler place, where a concept like this won’t insight fear in the heart’s of Amazon users. But for now, the jury’s still out on this new potential feature.