The CES (Consumer Electronics Show) is a renowned event where tech companies showcase their latest innovations. While many products at CES aim to improve our lives and make daily tasks more convenient, there are always a few that raise concerns among consumer and privacy advocates. This year, a panel of experts dubbed the 'Worst in Show,' consisting of representatives from Consumer Reports, the Electronic Frontier Foundation, and right-to-repair advocates iFixit, have singled out some products that they believe could have negative implications for individuals and society as a whole.
One of the main areas of focus at CES is automotive technology, and unfortunately, carmaker BMW received two undesirable awards. One of these awards was related to the company's partnership with Amazon's voice assistant, Alexa. While it may seem convenient to have Alexa in your car, allowing you to unlock the front door or turn off the porch lights, the judges raised concerns about potential abuse. They highlighted cases where individuals, especially women trying to escape abusive situations, have had their cars become tracking devices and tools for further abuse. The judges called on companies like BMW to provide an option to disable these features to ensure the safety and privacy of individuals.
