UK Information Commissioner: Smart Devices Must Respect Consumers' Privacy
With research showing most Brits own smart devices, the U.K. Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) Monday published guidance for developers and manufacturers on collecting, using and sharing people's personal information responsibly.
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When the watchdog asked the public for input about smart products in 2024, it heard concerns that devices -- ranging from smart speakers and fitness trackers to Wi-Fi fridges and interconnected air fryers -- collect too much personal information and that users felt powerless to control how their data was used and shared.
As such, the new guidance addresses those issues, offering suggestions to manufacturers about developing products that comply with data-protection laws and prioritize people's privacy, the ICO said. These include ensuring manufacturers are transparent about how personal data is used, collecting only data that's necessary for business purposes and helping people exercise their rights, such as being able to delete personal data easily.
While it's up to organizations to keep personal data safe, the guidance also sets out tips to help consumers make privacy-conscious purchases.
These include researching which smart device is right for one's needs before buying, and using privacy controls included in the product to limit permission to access personal data. In addition, buyers should set a strong password to keep devices secure and consider what personalized advertisements they want to see, the office said.
It also recommended that product owners stay current with security updates and erase their data when getting rid of the devices.
"If anyone has bought a smart product and still has concerns about how their data is being used, they can complain to us," the ICO added.