Amazon Key In-Home Package Delivery Creeps Out Twitter, Reactions

Amazon is trying to make package deliveries more convenient for Prime members with its new Amazon Key service, which delivers items inside customers’ homes. However, people on social media are creeped out about the idea.

The feature works with a smart lock and connected Amazon Cloud Cam, called the Amazon Key In-Home Kit. The kit is set up by the online retailer for $249.99. Users who want their packages delivered inside their homes can select the “in home” option on the app to get their items delivered inside their residence when they're not home. Through the Amazon Key app, users can track their delivery through real-time notifications and watch as the delivery person sets the packages inside the home.

Amazon released a video depicting the service's convenience for those who have busy lives:

The company assured the service is safe.

“Each time a delivery driver requests access to a customer’s home, Amazon verifies that the correct driver is at the right address, at the intended time, through an encrypted authentication process,” Amazon explained. “Once this process is successfully completed, Amazon Cloud Cam starts recording and the door is then unlocked. No access codes or keys are ever provided to delivery drivers. And, for added peace of mind, in-home delivery is backed by Amazon’s Happiness Guarantee.”

However, many are still skeptical about the new service and about letting a stranger coming into their homes.

People turned to Twitter to express their uncertainty over Amazon Key:

Those who are interested in receiving their packages with Amazon Key can go to http://www.amazon.com/key?tag=viaibtus-20?tag=viaibtus-20. The new service will first launch on Nov. 8 in 37 U.S. locations and will be free for Prime members.

The Amazon Key announcement comes about a month after its rival Walmart announced a similar service. Walmart revealed in September it would begin testing a new service in which items and groceries are delivered and stacked into a person’s refrigerator by the delivery driver. Using August Home, Walmart delivery drivers use a one-time passcode that a customer pre-authorizes so that they can open the person’s smart lock. Like Amazon, Walmart customers can watch their deliveries in real-time on a mobile apps. After the driver is done putting away groceries in the fridge, users will receive a confirmation alert on their smartphone that the driver has left and the home’s door has been locked. That service also freaked out consumers when it was announced.