Are these gadgets spying on you?

We’re used to tech in our homes doing the heavy lifting—from air fryers to smart speakers. But new research by Which? may make you rethink your smart home setup. According to their findings, many popular gadgets aren’t just helping out—they’re gathering data on you and, in some cases, even sending it back to China.

The Investigation:

The Which? study analysed popular smart devices on six criteria: transparency, consent, data security, data deletion, trackers, and data minimisation. Each gadget was then assigned a privacy score. The results revealed that several unexpected gadgets, like air fryers, were gathering your data and potentially even listening in.

Air Fryers: Sneaky Spies?

Top air fryer brands like Xiaomi Mi Smart, Aigostar, and Cosori were flagged for privacy concerns. Xiaomi’s app, for example, connects to trackers from Facebook, TikTok’s ad network, and Chinese tech giant Tencent. Xiaomi also requested audio recording permissions. A Xiaomi spokesperson later clarified, claiming this setting wasn’t applicable to its air fryer.

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Smartwatches: Your Data on Display

Which? also reviewed the Huawei Ultimate, Kuzil, and WeurGhy smartwatches. Huawei’s device required nine “risky” permissions, including access to audio, precise location, and all stored files. The other two watches, though less invasive, demanded several permissions to work beyond basic functions. Huawei defended its data collection, stating it was necessary for a “useful lifestyle” experience.

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Smart TVs: Data-Hungry Screens

Which? revealed that smart TVs are thirsty for user data and ad-filled. Samsung’s app, for example, requested eight permissions, including seeing all other apps on a user’s phone, and linked to Facebook and Google trackers. Samsung claimed that data collection enhances user experience, while Hisense stated its partial postcode request is only to offer regional-specific content.

Smart Speakers: Listening and Tracking

Which? looked at Bose, Amazon, and Google smart speakers, finding that Bose’s devices, in particular, were packed with trackers from Facebook, Google, and Urbanairship. Both Amazon Echo and Google Nest also had extensive tracking without a straightforward opt-out option. While Amazon and Google defended their privacy practices, they also acknowledged areas where users could reduce tracking.

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Take Control of Your Data

Which? advises users to take steps to protect their privacy, such as limiting data shared during setup, regularly reviewing app permissions, and deleting stored recordings in the Alexa and Google Assistant settings.

While companies may claim that these permissions improve functionality, Which? suggests being selective about what data you share—these gadgets may be more invasive than you think.