Your kitchen gadgets might be doing more than just cooking dinner, they could be listening in.
The UK’s data protection regulator, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), has issued a strong warning to manufacturers of smart devices, including air fryers, TVs, fertility trackers, and smart speakers, over serious privacy concerns raised by users.
In a growing wave of complaints, consumers say they feel powerless against how much data these devices are collecting, and what happens to it afterwards. Some users specifically alleged that smart air fryers were covertly listening to conversations and collecting sensitive information without clear consent.
In response, the ICO has demanded that manufacturers take immediate steps to protect consumer data, including regularly deleting collected information and being transparent about data usage. The watchdog emphasised that devices designed to make life more convenient should not come at the cost of personal privacy. “People should not have to choose between enjoying the benefits of smart products and safeguarding their privacy,” an ICO spokesperson said. The spokesperson added that there’s no justification for excessive surveillance in the name of convenience.
The guidance also targeted a broader category of smart technologies known as the “Internet of Things”, interconnected devices that continuously gather data from users. These include fertility trackers that record menstrual cycles and body temperatures, sending the data to company servers to estimate fertile windows, often without users fully understanding how their data is used or stored.
The ICO’s directive to manufacturers is unequivocal: prioritise transparency and data protection over intrusive data collection. Organisations must now demonstrate that they are managing personal data responsibly and in full compliance with regulatory standards, or face potential enforcement action.