Air fryers that accumulate users’ personal data and audio speakers “stuffed trackers” are examples smart devices involved in “excessive” surveillance – reports The Guardian website according to the consumer group Which?. The organization tested three models, each of which asked for permission to record audio on the user’s phone via a connected one application.
Phone apps track users
Smart air fryers allow you to plan your meal and start cooking before you get home. Not all of them have this functionality, but those that do often use an application installed on the smartphone.
Which? found an application provided by the company Xiaomi connected to trackers Facebook and advertising network TikTok. Air fryer Xiaomi i Aigostar sent people’s personal data to servers in China. The tests also examined smartwatches that required “risky” phone permissions – in other words, they gave invasive access to a consumer’s phone by tracking location, recording audio and accessing stored files.
Devices do not protect data, but use it?
Which? found digital speakers that came pre-loaded with trackers for Facebook, Google, and a digital marketing company called Urbanairship. The UK Information Commissioner’s Office said the latest consumer testing “shows that many products not only fail to meet our expectations for data protection, but also those of consumers.”
The UK’s independent regulator for data protection and information rights is developing new guidance for manufacturers of smart products, due to be published in spring 2025. They are intended to outline clear expectations about what they must do to comply with data protection regulations and protect people who use smart products.
Tracking technology and user privacy
In response to Which? Xiaomi said respecting user privacy is one of the company’s core values and it complies with UK data protection laws. “We do not sell any personal information to third parties.” “The audio recording permission in the Xiaomi Home app does not apply to the Xiaomi Smart Fryer, which does not directly operate via voice commands and video chat.” More and more devices in homes are connected to the Internet, including camera-enabled doorbells and smart TVs – they collect a wealth of data about users.
