06 September 2023 , 23:01
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Smart devices such as speakers and TVs could be “spying” on people in their homes, a report warns.
Video doorbells and washing machines are also causing concern. Consumer watchdog Which? has found examples of devices asking owners for unnecessary information.
This could compromise the person’s privacy and potentially result in them handing sensitive personal details to social media and marketing companies.
In its probe of big names – including looking at setting up accounts – Which? found each brand required exact location data as well as an approximate one, despite this arguably not being necessary for the product to function.
Bose smart speakers were found to share user data with Meta – the parent company of Facebook.
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Products have been caught handing sensitive data to social media companies (Getty Images/iStockphoto)In terms of smart cameras and doorbells, Which? said Ezviz devices had the most tracking firms active. LG and Hoover smart washing machines asked for users’ date of birth, with people not able to use the app unless they provide it. Both also asked for users’ phone contact book.
While tracking is optional, Which? found that LG, Samsung and Sony smart TV menus bundle this up into an “accept all” option. Apps will ask people to read a privacy policy when downloading it but the terms and conditions are usually extremely long.
Rocio Concha, at Which?, said: “Consumers have already paid for smart products, so it is excessive they have to continue to ‘pay’ with their personal information.”
Samsung said: “We design our products with security and privacy top-of mind and our customers are given the option to view, download or delete any personal data that Samsung has stored across any product or app that requires a Samsung account.”
Bose and Hoover declined to comment. LG, Ezviz and Sony did not provide a response.