Shocking findings suggests that air fryers might be infringing on UK customer privacy by asking permission to listen in on conversations.
According to consumer watchdog Which? as reported in the Mirror, the report evaluated several air fryer models based on user consent, clear policies, data protection and other crucial privacy practices, culminating in a comprehensive privacy rating.
The magazine’s editor Harry Rose was quoted saying: “Our research shows how smart tech manufacturers and the firms they work with are currently able to collect data from consumers, seemingly with reckless abandon, and this is often done with little or no transparency.”
The study highlighted specifically that Aigostar, Xiaomi Mi Smart, and Cosori CAF-LI401S air fryers sought access to accurate location information, with Xiaomi’s app even linking to trackers from various social and tech companies influenced by the users’ locations.
It also revealed that creating an account for Aigostar’s product demanded private information such as gender and date of birth.
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On another note, personal data transmission to servers in China has been associated with both Aigostar and Xiaomi air fryers, though this has been acknowledged in their privacy notices.
In response to these statements, a representative from Xiaomi told Mail Online: “The permission to record audio on Xiaomi Home app is not applicable to Xiaomi Smart Air Fryer which does not operate directly through voice commands and video chat.”
Furthermore, a spokesperson from Cosori made it clear: “We prioritise privacy, and subject to our internal compliance requirements, the smart products must comply with GDPR.”
It comes after specialists have raised alarms regarding the potential fire hazards associated with air fryers. Luke Osborne, the Deputy Technical Director at Electrical Safety First, outlined the issue.
He said: “Air fryers have seen a huge surge in popularity in the last year, so as more of these items are used in homes, there is a risk we could see accidents involving these appliances if people don’t ensure they are using them safely.”
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