Our lives are becoming increasingly tech-focused by the day. We're expanding beyond laptops and smartphones – on which you can easily install protective tech like the best VPNs – to a plethora of new smart technologies. From air fryers to audio systems, doorbells to dishwashers, almost everything in your home can be a "smart device." However, research from consumer group Which? has found evidence that even devices with no apparent need to collect data are nosier than you expect.
This surveillance ranges from air fryers demanding permission to listen in on conversations and sharing data with TikTok to TVs wanting to know your exact location at all times. Which? rated products across four categories and gave them overall privacy scores for factors including consent and what data access they want. Perhaps unsurprisingly, researchers found data collection often went well beyond what was necessary for the functionality of the product.
