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Some smart devices in our homes, such as deep fryers, may be too intrusive and collect “excessive” data, research suggests.
Consumer advocacy group Which? evaluated several popular types of smart devices, rating them based on their privacy practices and the amount of data they collect.
The group examined three models of fryers, which requested precise location data and asked permission to record audio on users' phones through an app for no specific reason.
Some smart fryers allow people to start cooking meals away from home through an app installed on a smartphone.
The Xiaomi fryer app connects to several trackers from tech giants like Facebook and Pangle, TikTok's ad network, as well as Tencent, a major Chinese tech company.
The Aigostar fryer also carried out similar data practices, going so far as to request users' gender and date of birth during account setup.
Both Xiaomi and Aigostar fryers transferred personal data to servers in China, a fact revealed in their privacy notices but which many users may overlook.
While the requests were marked optional, the implications of requesting such information have raised questions.
Harry Rose, which one? The magazine's editor said: “Our research shows how smart technology manufacturers and the companies they currently work with can collect consumer data, seemingly with reckless abandon, and this is often done with little or no transparency.” .
More tests for which one? found that some smartwatches required “risky” phone permissions, which means giving invasive access to parts of someone's smartphone, such as location and audio recording.
It also discovered that some digital speakers were “full of trackers” from Facebook, Google and a digital marketing company called Urbanairship. Some smart TVs required a zip code at setup.
The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), the UK's independent regulator for data protection and information rights law, will publish new guidance for smart device manufacturers in spring 2025.
Experts hope that clearer regulations can enforce accountability, especially for companies operating beyond the UK's borders, where compliance can be difficult to assess.
Rose added: “Which one? has been calling for proper guidelines outlining what is expected of smart product manufacturers and the ICO has confirmed that a code will be introduced in spring 2025; “This must be backed by effective enforcement, including against companies operating abroad.”
In a lengthy statement, a Xiaomi spokesperson told Which? that “respect for user privacy has always been among Xiaomi's core values, including transparency, accountability, user control, security and legal compliance.”
It said it complies with all UK data protection laws and “does not sell any personal information to third parties”, and certain features are only active in select global markets, such as Tencent services in China.
“The permission to record audio in the Xiaomi Home app does not apply to the Xiaomi Smart Air Fryer, which does not work directly via voice commands and video chat,” he added.
Aigostar has been contacted for comment.
