Monitoring through smart devices
Consumer advocates: Hot air fryers spy on users
November 7th, 2024 – 1:55 p.mReading time: 2 min.
Devices such as televisions and speakers collect more data than necessary, criticize consumer advocates. Hot air fryers are also overly curious.
Smart household appliances monitor their users more than necessary, reports the British consumer protection organization “Which” on its website. When testing various devices such as smartwatches and televisions, consumer advocates found “that data collection often goes far beyond what is necessary for the functionality of the product,” they say.
The consumer advocates were particularly astonished by the data collection frenzy of smart hot air fryers from the manufacturers Xiaomi, Aigostar and Cosori. All three devices tested not only required the user’s location information, but also permission to record audio files on their phone.
The Xiaomi app is also connected to trackers from Facebook, TikTok’s Pangle advertising network and the Chinese technology group Tencent. The Aigostar hot air fryer requires gender and date of birth when setting up an owner account – for no apparent reason, write consumer advocates.
Of the smartwatches examined, the Huawei Ultimate performed the worst because it required nine “risky” permissions on the user’s phone. This includes, among other things, access to their location and the right to record audio data on the smartphone.
According to “Which”, when it comes to smart TVs, both the devices from the manufacturer Hisense and the Samsung televisions require a user’s zip code when setting them up. Samsung’s mobile TV app even required eight “risky” phone permissions from the user – including the ability to make all other apps on the phone visible to the application.
The consumer advocates conclude by saying that their research shows how manufacturers are currently able to collect excessive data from consumers. They often do this with little transparency about what they use this information for, criticizes “Which”.
Interview between Time.news Editor (E) and Consumer Privacy Expert (X)
E: Welcome to Time.news! Today we have a fascinating topic on the agenda: the surprising ability of smart devices, particularly hot air fryers, to collect data on their users. Joining me is a renowned consumer privacy expert, Dr. Sarah Reynolds. Thank you for being here, Dr. Reynolds.
X: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss this important issue.
E: Let’s dive right in. We’ve seen reports from consumer advocacy groups like “Which” indicating that smart devices, including hot air fryers from companies like Xiaomi, Aigostar, and Cosori, are collecting more data than necessary. Why is this such a significant concern?
X: It’s a concern because many consumers are unaware of the extent of data collection happening in their own kitchens. Devices that are marketed for convenience can become invasive, harvesting information like location data and usage habits that are not essential for their primary functions. This raises privacy issues and concerns about how that data is used.
E: Exactly. Xiaomi, for instance, has come under scrutiny for requesting location information from its hot air fryer users. What could be the rationale behind such data collection?
X: Companies often claim that they collect data to improve user experience, enhance product features, or for marketing purposes. However, in cases like this, it’s questionable whether such an extensive data collection is truly justified. For many household devices, all that’s really needed is basic operational data to ensure they function correctly.
E: So it’s a fine line between useful data collection and invasive monitoring, then. What can consumers do to protect themselves in this era of smart appliances?
X: Consumers should be proactive about their privacy. Before purchasing a smart device, they should read privacy policies and user agreements thoroughly to understand what data is being collected. Being cautious about the permissions granted to apps that control these devices is also essential. If a device asks for more data than what’s necessary to operate, that should raise a red flag.
E: That makes a lot of sense. And what about regulatory measures? Are there any frameworks in place to protect consumer data in such instances?
X: In many regions, existing privacy laws are evolving to address these issues, but they often lag behind technological advancements. Organizations like the EU’s GDPR take a strong stance on personal data protection, but enforcement can be patchy. There’s increasingly a call for regulations specifically aimed at smart devices, ensuring they are transparent about data collection and give consumers more control over their information.
E: As smart devices become more ubiquitous, how do you envision the future of consumer privacy in connection with household appliances?
X: The future will likely see a heightened awareness among consumers about privacy issues related to smart devices. Manufacturers may start adopting more transparent data practices to build trust with their users, and innovations may emerge that prioritize privacy by design. Ultimately, we are at a crossroads where consumer demand for privacy could reshape how companies approach data collection.
E: Those are promising thoughts! Thank you, Dr. Reynolds, for sharing your insights on this pressing issue. It’s clear that as consumers, we need to stay informed and advocate for our privacy rights in this evolving digital landscape.
X: Thank you for having me! It’s crucial we continue this conversation as technology progresses.
E: And thanks to our audience for tuning in. Stay informed, and remember to keep privacy at the forefront of your smart device choices!