Introduction
A recent investigation by a consumer rights group has highlighted significant privacy concerns associated with smart devices, particularly those manufactured by Chinese companies such as Xiaomi, Aigostar [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10], and Huawei [5] [8] [9]. These concerns center around excessive data collection practices that surpass what is necessary for the devices’ functionality, raising alarms about potential data sharing with third parties for marketing purposes.
Description
A consumer rights group has raised significant privacy concerns regarding smart devices [6], particularly in the air fryer and smartwatch categories from Chinese manufacturers, including Xiaomi [2] [4] [9], Aigostar [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10], and Huawei [5] [8] [9]. Research indicates that data collection by these brands often exceeds what is necessary for product functionality [8], prompting alarms about the potential sharing of personal data with third parties for marketing purposes. A study by the consumer group Which? found that air fryers from Xiaomi and Aigostar [5], as well as Huawei’s Ultimate smartwatch, can record audio and track users’ precise locations without clear justification [5], leaving consumers vulnerable to surveillance [5]. Experts warn that the data collection from these household connected devices poses significant risks [3], as many users are unaware of the extent of data being collected [3], which can lead to potential data breaches [3].
Both Aigostar and Xiaomi air fryers have been reported to send personal data back to servers in China [7], as indicated in their privacy notices [2] [7] [8] [9]. The Xiaomi app is linked to various ad trackers [6] [10], including those from Facebook, Tencent [1] [2] [4] [6] [8] [9], and TikTok’s Pangle ad network [6], and it requests permission to record audio ostensibly for voice control [1], despite Xiaomi clarifying that its air fryer does not utilize voice commands. Aigostar also requests optional personal information such as gender and date of birth during account setup [3] [6] [8]. Cosori received the lowest privacy score (41%) due to issues with consent [6] [10], data security [3] [6] [10], tracking [5] [6] [10], and data deletion [6] [10], while the company emphasizes its commitment to privacy and compliance with GDPR regulations.
Additionally, Huawei’s Ultimate smartwatch has been noted for demanding nine “risky” permissions during setup [6], which include access to precise location [6], audio recording [2] [4] [5] [6] [8] [9] [10], stored files [6], and visibility of other installed apps [6]. While Huawei claims that user data is not used for marketing and asserts compliance with UK data protection laws, some trackers were found to be active on the device [6]. In light of the findings, Huawei defended its data collection practices [1] [4], asserting that the permissions requested are necessary for the functionality of its devices [4]. Cosori refrains from further comment without specific test reports [8] [9], while Aigostar and Bose did not respond to inquiries [2] [9].
Concerns extend beyond air fryers and smartwatches, as other smart devices [5], including smart TVs from Hisense and Samsung [2], have also raised privacy issues. Samsung’s TV app requires eight risky permissions and requests postcodes during setup, while Hisense does not connect to detectable trackers [2]. The Bose Home Portable speaker [2], despite minimal upfront permissions [2], is loaded with trackers [2], and devices like Amazon Echo and Google Nest require accounts and utilize their own trackers [2]. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) plans to issue new guidance for manufacturers regarding data protection compliance [5], highlighting the need for improved privacy practices across the industry. Connected devices [3], often used for years [3], can be vulnerable to hacking [3], compromising the safety and security of individuals [3].
Conclusion
The findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced privacy measures and transparency in the data collection practices of smart device manufacturers. Consumers must be informed about the extent of data collection and the potential risks involved. Regulatory bodies, such as the Information Commissioner’s Office [5], are expected to play a crucial role in enforcing stricter data protection standards. As smart devices become increasingly integrated into daily life, ensuring robust privacy protections will be essential to safeguarding consumer data and maintaining trust in technology.
References
[1] https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2510000/your-smart-air-fryer-could-be-listening-to-you.html
[2] https://www.techdigest.tv/2024/11/is-my-air-fryer-spying-on-me-which-reveals-smart-devices-gathering-your-data.html
[3] https://community.spiceworks.com/t/snap-plants-for-mars-evil-air-fryers-build-your-own-chatbot/1138497
[4] https://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/national/24700368.many-smart-devices-gathering-excessive-amounts-personal-data-says/
[5] https://uk.news.yahoo.com/airfryer-spying-trackers-found-everyday-152248977.html
[6] https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/chinese-air-fryers-spying/
[7] https://www.mirror.co.uk/money/home-spying-me-home-appliances-34039709
[8] https://www.which.co.uk/policy-and-insight/article/why-is-my-air-fryer-spying-on-me-which-reveals-the-smart-devices-gathering-your-data-and-where-they-send-it-a9Fa24K6gY1c
[9] https://www.shinyshiny.tv/2024/11/is-my-air-fryer-spying-on-me-evidence-of-excessive-smart-home-surveillance.html
[10] https://carswellfamilyfoundation.ca/2024/11/05/RU30562OxxEe.html
