Makers of air fryers and smart speakers told to respect users’ right to privacy
Guardian3 days
UK Regulator Issues Smart Device Privacy Guidelines
Above: LG AI Home concept at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Jan. 7, 2025. Image copyright: Artur Widak/NurPhoto/Getty Images
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
This guidance represents essential consumer protection in an era where smart devices have become invasive data collectors. The ICO's intervention comes after alarming reports of air fryers requesting audio recording permissions and fertility trackers harvesting sensitive health data without clear justification. These regulations will finally give consumers meaningful control over their personal information.
Pro-establishment narrative
The new regulations could stifle innovation and impose unnecessary burdens on manufacturers who are already operating within existing legal frameworks. Smart devices require specific data permissions to function effectively, and overly restrictive guidelines may limit product functionality and user experience. Companies like Xiaomi and Huawei have stated they already comply with privacy laws and use data responsibly for legitimate purposes.