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Buyers of smart devices continue to pay for them with their personal data.
Consumer Protection Organization Which? It has published a study showing that smart devices such as televisions, speakers, and even washing machines collect more personal data than is necessary for their basic functions. User data is then shared with corporations, creating risks for user privacy.
Which? Emphasizes that consumers who have already paid for smart devices continue to "pay" for them with their personal data. The organization analyzed the data required to register accounts with manufacturers and the permissions that applications request.
According to the study, all analyzed brands require user location data. In addition, smart speakers, which should only be activated after a keyword phrase is uttered, collect and transmit user data. For example, Bose products transmit information to Meta* even if the user doesn't have a Facebook account*.
Which? It also revealed that the level of data collected depends on the smartphone's operating system. Google Nest products on Android ask for contacts and location, while on iOS this data is not required.
Special attention of the study was drawn to security cameras from Ezviz, owned by the Chinese company Hikvision. The company's cameras transmit data to a variety of companies, including TikTok, Huawei, Google, and Meta. It is worth noting that Hikvision cameras are also used by the Chinese government to harass Uighurs, although the company denies this.
When asked for comment, Amazon and Google said they comply with all data protection laws. Miele (a German home appliance manufacturer) claims to collect data to "optimize device usage", and Samsung ensures that it respects users ' privacy.
Which? Encourages government agencies to update their data protection guidelines, and offers a number of tips for improving information security, including checking permissions and reading privacy policies. However, if you really care about your privacy, it's best to refrain from buying smart devices.
Consumer Protection Organization Which? It has published a study showing that smart devices such as televisions, speakers, and even washing machines collect more personal data than is necessary for their basic functions. User data is then shared with corporations, creating risks for user privacy.
Which? Emphasizes that consumers who have already paid for smart devices continue to "pay" for them with their personal data. The organization analyzed the data required to register accounts with manufacturers and the permissions that applications request.
According to the study, all analyzed brands require user location data. In addition, smart speakers, which should only be activated after a keyword phrase is uttered, collect and transmit user data. For example, Bose products transmit information to Meta* even if the user doesn't have a Facebook account*.
Which? It also revealed that the level of data collected depends on the smartphone's operating system. Google Nest products on Android ask for contacts and location, while on iOS this data is not required.
Special attention of the study was drawn to security cameras from Ezviz, owned by the Chinese company Hikvision. The company's cameras transmit data to a variety of companies, including TikTok, Huawei, Google, and Meta. It is worth noting that Hikvision cameras are also used by the Chinese government to harass Uighurs, although the company denies this.
When asked for comment, Amazon and Google said they comply with all data protection laws. Miele (a German home appliance manufacturer) claims to collect data to "optimize device usage", and Samsung ensures that it respects users ' privacy.
Which? Encourages government agencies to update their data protection guidelines, and offers a number of tips for improving information security, including checking permissions and reading privacy policies. However, if you really care about your privacy, it's best to refrain from buying smart devices.