Your AirFryer could do more than cook your fries to perfection, it could also listen to your conversations and share your data with third parties, according to a report from British Consumer Champion.
Updated by Warial, November 8, 2024 at 10:40:21
A Xiaomi spokesperson wanted to react to these allegations. Here is the response he sent us. His message is written in English, we translated it:
We are aware of the recent press release from Which? and some information it contains, including “Xiaomi fryer sent personal information to servers in China”, is inaccurate and misleading, which may result from some misunderstandings. We are in the process of clarifying the situation with Which? Our privacy policy is developed to comply with applicable regulations such as the UK GDPR and DPA 2018. Complying with local laws and regulations applicable in the markets where Xiaomi operates, user data is stored in accordance with local laws . We reserve the right to take legal action to protect our reputation.
Listening AirFryers: a connected and curious kitchen
In the wonderful world of tech and the Internet of Things, it seems that even our kitchen is not safe from data collection. According to Witch?a British consumer advocate, your AirFryer could spy on you and share your data for marketing purposes.
The results of this survey, although surprising, are not really surprising for us tech journalists, well versed in all the issues surrounding home automation. It’s a fact: smart devices often abuse surveillance from their owners. The data collection of most high-tech objects almost always extends “well beyond” what is necessary for the product to function.
When testing products from four different categories, Which? found that all three AirFryers examined asked for permission to record audio on the user’s phone, for no specific reason. One of them wanted to know the gender and date of birth when creating an owner account. Moreover, the Xiaomi app linked to the Chinese brand’s AirFryer was found connected to trackers from Facebook, Pangle (TikTok’s advertising network for businesses), and Chinese tech giant Tencent.
Both Aigostar and Xiaomi AirFryers sent the owner’s personal data to servers in China. Which raises an obvious question: why on earth would you want an AirFryer that connects to other devices?
An ecosystem of connected devices that watches you
The analysis of Which? was not limited to fryers. Smartwatches, smart speakers and smart TVs were also scrutinized. Amazon Echo smart speakers have been praised for offering the ability to opt out of various data sharing requests. However, to use the Echo Pop or Nest Mini, an Amazon or Google account is required.
My area of expertise is rather televisions. Smart TVs, meanwhile, are “riddled with ads and hungry for user data.” Both Hisense and Samsung TVs asked for a zip code during installation, although both companies have said this request is only there for content localization. Samsung claimed that providing a zip code was not required, but researchers indicated otherwise. All modern connected TVs have home pages full of targeted advertising and the different platforms get to know you to better or recommend content.
All devices tested wanted to know the precise location of the user.
Our research shows how smart technology manufacturers and the companies they work with are currently able to collect data from consumers, seemingly with complete recklessness, and this is often done with little or no transparency
Harry Rose, editor of Which?
In the UK, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), which oversees data protection, is due to publish new guidelines for smart products in spring 2025. However, as highlighted Which?this initiative must be supported by effective enforcement, including against companies operating abroad. In Europe, the Digital Market Act addresses this problem and the legislation is increasingly firm.
Source :
theregister ; Witch?‘
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