Allow a single point of control

Matter is designed to move away from needing special hubs. However, hubs like Home Assistant are valuable; they actively protect users. It would be great if a Matter network could be set-up in such a way that all traffic to the internet must route through a central hub. That way it becomes easier to create privacy protecting products that "tame" Matter devices that reach out to the internet. Such a 'firewall' could give consumers some level of control.

Allow compartmentalization

Few consumers will be able to set up a separate virtual network to enhance security, so Matter could give consumers the option to do this for them. For example, Thread border-routers could have the option to block connections to the rest of the network and/or the internet (while still allowing firmware updates to go through). That way Thread becomes more like Zigbee again. The Matter network could propagate this setting to any new border-router that is added to the network.

Enforce and push for cloudless setup and operation

In practice, Matter devices will often assume users have smart phones to scan QR codes. Now that its available, many vendors might become more reliant on the internet to do things like adding devices to the network. There should always be a way to add a device to the network when no or a highly restricted internet connection is available. Otherwise consumers might end up with more apps on their phone, not less.

Enforce updates

When compared with Zigbee, an out-of-date Matter device becomes more dangerous because it's so much more connected. Matter should enforce a minimal number of years that a device must be supported. Otherwise Matter will create more paperweights, not less.

Push Thread where possible

Thread is easier to compartmentalize than Wi-Fi. When a device can work with Thread, it could be forbidden to use Wi-Fi. For example, lightbulbs could only be allowed to be Thread based.

Inform consumers

Consumers should be aided in avoiding Wi-Fi based Matter devices whenever Thread based alternatives are available. This can be done by clearly indicating on packaging and product pages which underlying communication technology a Matter devices uses.

Treat corporate surveillance as a threat

It's not just hackers that threaten consumer's trust of smart homes, it's data-driven businessmodels too. A perfectly secure Matter network could still be harming people by allowing third parties to create detailed profiles. The Matter consortium should develop a broader understanding of privacy issues and risks.

40% of consumers don't trust smart home technology. The only way to win back their trust is to guarantee data stays in their home.

Acknowledge and address coveillance

A growing problem with smart homes is how they allow for "coveillance" - surveillance between people in the home. Smart homes seduce their ocupants to spy on each other, such as when a husband starts checking what time the wife gets home. Many people use sensors to spy on hired help without their knowledge, for example to check if a cleaner was cleaning the full agreed upon time. There are increasing reports of smart homes aiding domestic abusers. How can Matter help address these problems?