Britain’s data watchdog is drawing up tough new guidelines requiring smart device producers to more strictly limit their information gathering
A warning has been issued about kitchen gadgets such as air fryers snooping on families by tracking their conversations, lifestyle choices and personal data.
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) said smart devices are collecting too much information and are leaving consumers feeling powerless to stop them.
The data watchdog is now working on tougher new guidance for manufacturers to spell out what they need to do to comply with data protection laws and protect consumers.
An estimated £15bn of smart gadgets will be bought by Britons this Christmas, and many people won’t bother reading the small print which comes with them.
According to one estimate, the average consumer privacy policy runs to 8,000 words, requiring around 35 minutes of reading time. But those who do linger on the terms and conditions of products ranging from Wi-Fi-enabled coffee machines to robotic vacuum cleaners could be in for…
