Caution raised as study reveals potential for air fryers to gather data on users.

According to a recent report, it seems that air fryers may not just be used for cooking, but also for listening in on private conversations. This revelation has left many feeling unsettled and concerned about their privacy. The Information Commissioner's Office has taken notice and is now providing new guidance for device manufacturers to protect consumers' data.

The report, conducted by Which?, found that certain air fryer brands made by Chinese companies such as Xiaomi, Tencent, and Aigostar were requesting permission to record audio on their owners' phones. However, the reasons for this request were not made clear. Additionally, Aigostar and Xiaomi were found to be sending personal data to servers in China. And it's not just air fryers, even smart TVs made by Hisense and Samsung were asking for people's postcodes and access to other apps on their phones.

The issue of personal data and privacy is not limited to just air fryers and TVs. The Huawei Ultimate smartwatch was also found to request "risky" phone permissions, including tracking precise locations, recording audio, and accessing files. The company has stated that all of these permissions have a legitimate purpose, but this has not eased concerns for many users.

In response to these findings, the ICO has announced that they will be releasing new guidance for manufacturers next year. This guidance will outline their expectations for compliance with data protection laws and ensuring the safety of consumers who use smart products. It will cover areas such as consent, privacy information, and tools for individuals to exercise their rights.

The ICO spokesperson emphasized the importance of helping organizations understand and follow proper protocols for data usage. They stated that the upcoming guidance will provide clarity for manufacturers to plan and invest in responsible information usage. However, the ICO will also be closely monitoring compliance and ready to take action to protect consumers from any potential harm.

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