In today’s tech-driven world, it seems almost everything in our homes is “smart”—from refrigerators to thermostats, and yes, even our beloved kitchen gadgets like air fryers. But while these devices promise to make life easier, there’s a growing concern that some are collecting much more data than we realise. According to a recent investigation by Which?, many popular smart devices—including those that seem innocent, like air fryers—are gathering personal information about us and sending it to third parties. So, is your air fryer spying on you? And what exactly is happening to all this data?
The Ubiquity of Data Collection
Modern devices are equipped with sensors, cameras, microphones, and GPS chips that collect data to streamline our lives. Many of these devices are connected to the internet, gathering real-time data on our behaviours, preferences, and movements. But how much data is too much, and at what point does it cross the line into privacy violation?
1. Smartphones: The Ultimate Data Collectors
Smartphones track nearly every aspect of our lives—from location data and app usage to browsing history and facial recognition. Many apps, particularly free ones, request permissions that allow them to access data unrelated to their primary function, such as contacts, camera, and microphone. This data can be sold to advertisers or used to build predictive algorithms for targeted ads.
2. Smart Speakers: Always Listening
Devices like Amazon Echo and Google Home are designed to respond to voice commands, but they are also always “listening” for wake words. Even when not actively used, they may capture snippets of conversations, raising concerns about privacy. While data is anonymised, questions remain about how long this data is stored and who has access to it.
3. Fitness Trackers and Wearables: Monitoring Your Every Move
Fitness trackers like Fitbit and Apple Watch monitor physical activity, heart rate, and even sleep patterns. These devices send sensitive data to the cloud, where it can be analysed and used by companies to make assumptions about your habits. In some cases, this data is sold to third-party advertisers or used by insurance companies to adjust policies.
4. Smart TVs: Watching You While You Watch TV
Smart TVs can track what you watch, how long you watch it, and whether you interact with ads. Many also have built-in microphones and cameras, raising concerns about remote surveillance. Though these features are meant to be activated by the user, there are still fears about unauthorised data collection.
5. Connected Home Devices: A New Era of Surveillance
The Internet of Things (IoT) connects everyday devices, such as refrigerators, thermostats, and security cameras, to the internet. While these devices can improve convenience and efficiency, they also represent significant privacy risks. For example, smart cameras can store footage in the cloud, which could be accessed or hacked by unauthorised parties.
6. Connected Cars: Tracking Your Every Journey
Modern vehicles with GPS systems track routes, driving habits, and even fuel efficiency. Some car manufacturers share this data with insurance companies, offering discounts based on driving behaviour. While these features can be beneficial, they also gather extensive information about your travel patterns.
What Happens to Your Data?
Once collected, this data is often stored in the cloud, sometimes by third-party companies, raising concerns about transparency and security. Some companies may use the data for marketing purposes or sell it to advertisers. There’s also the risk of data breaches, where sensitive information could be exposed.
How to Protect Your Privacy
To protect your privacy, consider the following steps:
- Read Privacy Policies: Review what data is being collected and how it is used so you can make an informed decision on whether to use the services.
- Limit Permissions: Disable location tracking, voice recordings, or unnecessary features.
- Use Offline Features: Opt for devices that offer offline functionality when possible.
- Turn Off Features: Disable Wi-Fi or data syncing when not in use.
- Enhance Security: Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
Conclusion: Balancing Convenience and Privacy
Smart devices undoubtedly offer convenience, but they also collect more personal data than we may realise. While data collection can lead to improved services, it also raises privacy concerns—especially when this data is shared with third parties or compromised. It is essential to balance the benefits of smart technology with the risks to personal privacy. Be proactive in managing your device settings, and always ask, “What are they doing with my data?”
Link to Which? article: Why is my air fryer spying on me? Which? reveals the smart devices gathering your data – and where they send it – Which? Policy and insight
