The producers of air fryers and other intelligent home devices have introduced new guidelines regarding the type of data they can gather from households. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) unveiled this guidance following an investigation by Which? that uncovered data collection practices by some air fryers, smart TVs, and smartwatches.
«In today’s interconnected world, individuals should not have to compromise between enjoying the advantages of smart products and safeguarding their privacy,» stated Stephen Almond, the executive director for regulatory risk at the ICO. «We all have a legitimate expectation of privacy within our homes, so it is crucial that smart products respect our privacy, handle our personal information responsibly, and only utilize it in ways that we anticipate.»
The study by Which? revealed that air fryers from Xiaomi, Tencent, and Aigostar were recording audio from users’ phones without a clear purpose. Additionally, the Aigostar and Xiaomi fryers were found to be transmitting personal data to Chinese servers, a practice outlined in the privacy notice provided with the product.
Andy Laughlin, a technology expert at Which?, highlighted the need for stricter regulations in response to these concerning practices. He emphasized the importance of consumer confidence when purchasing smart home products, calling for effective enforcement mechanisms, especially for companies operating internationally.
Research by TechUK suggests that four out of five individuals in the UK own at least one smart appliance. The new guidelines aim to protect consumers from excessive surveillance, requiring manufacturers and developers to adopt a data protection approach from the design stage throughout the product’s lifecycle.
The ICO recommends that developers consider the necessity of using personal information, especially when it comes to smartwatches and fitness trackers. Special category data such as a user’s BMI or fertility status should be handled with heightened caution. The investigation by Which? found that the Huawei Ultimate smartwatch requested the most «risky» phone permissions compared to other devices in the study, including access to precise location, audio recording capabilities, and more.
Huawei defended its permissions by stating that they serve a justified purpose. It is important to note that there is no indication of unlawful behavior by any of the companies mentioned in the study. Mr. Almond reiterated the ICO’s commitment to assisting organizations in adhering to privacy guidelines and taking necessary action to protect individuals from harm.
«When integrating a new smart product into your home, rest assured that we are here to support you,» Mr. Almond assured.
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