An airfryer that eavesdrops on your kitchen conversation - a growing privacy concern

Smart devices such as airfryers collect unauthorized audio and personal data from users. That's according to a recent report by British consumer organization Which. The phenomenon raises questions about the balance between technological advances and privacy protection. The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has announced it will publish new guidelines for manufacturers in 2025, focusing on data collection and protection of user privacy. These developments highlight the need for consumer awareness of the potential privacy risks of smart devices in their homes.

The recent study found that several popular brands of airfryers are “suspiciously” collecting personal data. In particular, models from Xiaomi, Tencent, and Aigostar request access to users' audio recordings for no apparent reason. Even more worrisome, Xiaomi and Aigostar forward personal data to servers in China, as their privacy policies also state. These practices are part of a broader trend of smart devices collecting more and more personal information.

Growing privacy challenges in smart home technology

The issues are not limited to airfryers alone. Smart TVs from well-known brands such as Hisense and Samsung ask for zip code information and access to other apps on phones during installation. The Huawei Ultimate smartwatch takes the crown with as many as nine “risky” phone permissions. Stephen Almond of the ICO warns that consumers are effectively “paying twice”: first with money and then with their personal data.

The ICO has announced it will issue new guidelines for smart device manufacturers in 2025. These guidelines will specifically address how companies should seek consent for data collection and provide privacy information. This is especially relevant given that British consumers are expected to purchase around £15 billion worth of smart gadgets this Christmas. Many of these will be capable of recording personal conversations and movements.

Transparency

A major obstacle for consumers is the complexity of privacy statements. The average privacy policy contains about 8,000 words and takes about 35 minutes to read. Smart devices collect highly personal information, including data on household composition, music preferences, and even medication use.