Most smart security advice stops at "buy cameras that don't require a cloud subscription." That's a real improvement, but it's not the whole privacy picture — the devices you already own are still collecting more than most people realize.
Where to actually look
Inside most camera brands' own apps: a video-sharing setting that defaults to on, a "connected services" list that's grown longer than you'd expect, and camera privacy zones that are almost never set up even though every major platform supports them — blocking out a neighbor's window or a public sidewalk that happens to be in frame.
Data retention is a setting too
Review how long footage is actually kept, turn on automatic deletion once it's outlived its use, and check that two-factor authentication is on for every account tied to a camera or lock — not just your main login.
A 15-minute pass, once
Disable video sharing you didn't explicitly turn on. Set privacy zones on every outdoor camera. Turn on two-factor authentication everywhere a device has an account. Choose a retention window you're actually comfortable with. None of this requires new hardware — it's fifteen minutes in settings menus you probably haven't opened since setup.
The full privacy checklist
The Blueprint's privacy chapter is built around exactly this pass, plus how to lock down the Home Assistant side too.
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