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Technology
27 December 2024

Rising Concerns Over Privacy With Smart Toys And Appliances

Consumer advocates warn of data collection risks associated with modern children's toys and kitchen devices.

With technology rapidly advancing, toys for children are becoming increasingly intelligent, often incorporating robotic or interactive elements. Amidst this change, the Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD) has issued recommendations emphasizing the importance of cybersecurity and protecting minors' privacy. The AEPD refers to "connected toys," defining them as those "connected to the Internet which exchange information with external sources and usually require the installation of an app on mobile devices." Whether parents control the app or children do, these toys—like certain appliances—are likely to collect information about their usage or users.

The AEPD points out the need to be well-informed about the origins of these toys and the data management practices of the responsible company, ensuring consumers understand the terms they are agreeing to. It is particularly important to be cautious of toys capable of recording audio and images through microphones or cameras, or those needing internet connection for updates, pre-recorded responses, or access to websites. Parents should be vigilant not just for the sake of convenience or fun, but to safeguard sensitive data.

Essential checks include examining what data the toy collects—from the toy itself to its associated mobile app, the security protocols used to transmit data, what data is sent online, and how the app manages privacy and data storage. It’s wise to inquire with the store manager, read the manufacturer's web page, check the packaging, and search for the instruction manual online, especially for sections on terms and conditions. Importantly, consumers should look for the CE marking (European Conformity) on the product, ensuring compliance with European quality standards.

It’s not uncommon to see cases of foreign companies collecting or selling their users' personal data without proper consent—this concern is heightened when it involves minors. Therefore, it’s important to buy products from reputable manufacturers and verify they meet basic cybersecurity standards to avoid potential hacks or misuse.

Simultaneously, consumer advocacy groups are raising alarms about the privacy vulnerabilities of everyday appliances, particularly air fryers. A recent report from Which? revealed how such devices might be gathering personal information from users, including sensitive data like location, gender, and birth date. Alarmingly, some of these appliances request permission to record audio through the applications used to control them without providing specific reasons, raising eyebrows among regulatory bodies, especially in the United States, as reported by Gizmodo.

The report, published in November 2023, examined the best-rated air fryers on Amazon and highlighted troubling privacy practices. Among the findings, three models—Aigostar, Xiaomi Mi Smart, and Cosori CAF-LI401S—required precise user location access and permissions for audio recording. Further unsettling, data from these applications was found to be sent to servers located in China, raising significant concerns about data security.

One standout case was Xiaomi's air fryer, whose associated app not only sought permission for audio recording but also connected to trackers from major platforms including Facebook and Tencent—indicating potential misuse of collected data for advertising or analysis without consumers' explicit knowledge. Similarly, Aigostar’s air fryer revealed troubling practices; though providing gender and birth date was technically optional, the very act of requesting such information drew scrutiny over confidentiality.

According to the Which? report, these privacy concerns aren’t limited to just air fryers; they reflect broader trends where connected devices are amassing personal data, intensifying scrutiny over the energy costs of data processing and users' privacy risks. Responding to these findings, Xiaomi clarified through The Daily Mail, asserting the audio recording permission of the Xiaomi Home app "does not apply to Xiaomi Smart Air Fryer,” as it does not operate through voice commands directly.

On another front, Cosori, which specializes in marketing air fryers, stated their commitment to prioritizing their customers' privacy and compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Harry Rose, the editor of Which?, voiced concerns during the report, pointing out how manufacturers of smart technology and their partners often collect consumer data with reckless abandon, lacking transparency.

Across the Atlantic, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is also positioning itself against data selling intermediaries, seeking more authority to combat this issue. CFPB Director Rohit Chopra emphasized, "By selling our most sensitive personal data without our knowledge or consent, these data brokers can profit by facilitating scams, harassment, and spying." He added, "The proposed rule by the CFPB will reduce these practices, which threaten our personal security and undermine the national security of the United States."

Both the AEPD’s warnings and the findings from Which? underline the urgency for consumers to remain informed and vigilant about their data privacy when purchasing connected toys or appliances. The intersection of fun and technology continues to raise significant privacy questions, especially for homes with children.

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