Yahoo Finance Smart home devices revealing too much to likes of Google, Amazon and Meta
Gadgets including speakers, TV and home appliances 'spying' for big brands, study finds
Smart home devices have become increasingly popular, offering convenience and connectivity to users.
But an investigation by consumer advocate group Which? has warned about the extent to which these devices collect and share personal data, potentially compromising users' privacy.
The findings showed that smart device manufacturers often collect more data than necessary for the product's functionality, raising questions about the need for such extensive data collection. This includes devices like smart speakers, security cameras, and even washing machines.
Smart speakers, like those from Bose, were found to share user data with Meta, the parent company of Facebook, according to Which?. The amount of data requested by smart speakers varied depending on whether the user had an Android or iOS device. Google (GOOGL) Nest products, for example, requested contacts and location on Android but not on Apple's (AAPL) iOS.
“Firms should not collect more data than they need to provide the service that’s on offer, particularly if they are going to bury this important information in lengthy terms and conditions,” said Rocio Concha, Which? director of policy and advocacy.
The research suggests that, despite consumers having already paid up to thousands of pounds for smart products, they are also having to ‘pay’ with their personal data.
Smart cameras and doorbells
When it comes to smart cameras and doorbells, Which? discovered that Ezviz devices, sold by major retailers like Argos (SBRY.L), had numerous tracking firms active, including TikTok's business marketing unit, Pangle, Huawei, Google, and Meta (META).
Google's Nest product require users' full name, email, date of birth, and gender.
In 2021 a judge ruled security cameras and a ring doorbell installed in a house in Oxfordshire "unjustifiably invaded" the privacy of a neighbour that broke data laws and contributed to harassment.
Read more: AI hyper-personalisation and regulation anxiety come into focus at London Tech Week
Smart washing machines also raised concerns as they required the customer's name, date of birth, email, phone contacts, precise location, and phone number. While some brands offer optional data sharing, others like LG and Hoover make it mandatory for app usage.
Last month Which? published a feature on smart washing machines, which aimed to help consumers decide whether they needed one, and identified the best brands and lowest prices.
Read more: MPs launch inquiry into smart home speakers over spying risk
Smart TVs, too, are not exempt from data collection practices, with LG, Samsung (SMSN.IL), and Sony (SONY) bundling tracking options into an "accept all" button rather than allowing users to choose which data to share.
Which? list of devices that collect more data than is needed:
Amazon (AMZN) (which owns Echo, Blink and Ring)
Amazon responded to Which? findings saying the use data responsibly. "We design our products to protect our customers’ privacy and security and to put our customers in control of their experience. We never sell their personal data, and we never stop working to keep their information safe."
Google said they fully comply to applicable privacy laws. "We provide transparency to our users regarding the data we collect and how we use it."
Miele
Miele say they are transparent with its customers about the use of data and that is collected to "Optimise appliance usage and to offer customers additional features and functionalities. By specifying the location, we ensure that we can provide customers with the relevant services."
Samsung
Samsung stated, "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" Customers can find more information about Samsung privacy policies on its website.
According to Which? AEG/Electrolux, Hoover/Haier and Bose declined to comment.
Apple, Sonos, Beko, Arlo, LG, Ezviz, Sony, Panasonic (PCRFY), Hisense and Phillips did not reply by Which? publication deadline. Which? were unable to contact TP-Link and Eufy.
Data protection
A survey of 1,201 Which? members in April 2023 revealed that users were most concerned about sharing their contacts and background location, followed by photos, phone numbers, and precise location.
Despite regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requiring transparency and limited data collection, many companies cite "legitimate interests" in their privacy policies, making it challenging for consumers to understand the extent of data sharing.
Which? is urging the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) to consider updating guidelines to better protect consumers “from accidentally giving up huge swathes of their own data without realising."
Which? Consumer advice on how to improve your data privacy
Care about what you share: Some data collection is optional during setup, and that means you can opt out. Only share what you are comfortable with.
Check permissions: On iOS and Android, you can review permission requests before downloading an app, and check what each app has access to in your settings.
Deny access: Also in your phone settings, you can potentially deny or limit access to data such as location, contacts, and so on. Although, that might stop or limit aspects of the app.
Delete recordings: Using the Alexa and Google Assistant settings, you can set your voice recordings to be deleted automatically rather than stored.
Read the privacy policy: Do at least browse the policy, particularly the data collection sections. You have the right to object to a company processing your data.
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