They’re the must-have kitchen gadget of the moment, but your air fryer may simply be spying on you.
Now the UK’s data watchdog is planning new rules after a shocking investigation revealed how much information seemingly innocuous devices have been collecting.
Consumer magazine Which one? discovered that several popular models were capable of spying on their owners and listening to conversations through their associated phone applications.
The £45 Xiaomi Mi Smart fryer allegedly shared data with the company behind social media site TikTok, while Aigostar’s £57 fryer was said to be able to send phone call recordings to China.
Smart device surveillance is a growing concern, as many consumers simply reject permission requests without realizing what they have allowed.
Smart TVs, speakers, security cameras, and doorbells may also be spying on homeowners.
The Information Commissioner’s Office plans to publish new rules on how consumer data can be used in the spring.
Slavka Bielikova, policy advisor at the ICO, said: ‘Smart products know a lot about us: who we live with, what music we like, what medications we are taking and much more.
The UK’s data watchdog is planning new rules after a shocking investigation revealed how much data fryers have been collecting (File Image)
Smart device surveillance is a growing concern as many consumers simply reject permission requests without realizing what they have allowed (stock image)
“We would expect a smart product to only use and collect the personal data it needs to perform its functions.”
Which? Editor Harry Rose cautioned that the guidelines should be backed by proper implementation.
He said: ‘Our research shows how smart technology manufacturers and the companies they work with are.
“They are currently able to collect consumer data, seemingly with reckless abandon, and this is often done with little or no transparency.”