The UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has issued new guidelines urging manufacturers of smart devices to respect consumer privacy amid concerns over excessive data collection. With reports of devices like air fryers and smart speakers potentially listening to users, complaints have surged over data handling practices. ICO's executive director emphasized that consumers shouldn't have to compromise privacy for smart product benefits. The guidelines also highlight the need for transparency, data security, and proper deletion of personal information gathered by various devices in the internet of things (IoT).
Smart products know a lot about us: who we live with, what music we like, what medication we are taking and much more.
We shouldn't have to choose between enjoying the benefits of smart products and our own privacy.
We all rightly have a greater expectation of privacy in our own homes, so we must be able to trust smart products are respecting our privacy.
The new guidance cites a wide range of devices that are broadly known as part of the internet of things, which collect data that needs to be carefully handled.
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