Why Is My Air Fryer Spying on Me?

Consumer watchdog Which? has revealed alarming levels of data collection by popular smart devices, with air fryers emerging as unexpected culprits. The study found that some air fryers demand invasive permissions and share user data with third parties, including platforms like TikTok.

In its evaluation of air fryers, smartwatches, smart TVs, and smart speakers, Which? scored devices on privacy practices such as data consent and necessity of information collected. Air fryers were among the worst offenders, with all tested models requesting users’ precise locations and permissions to record phone audio without clear justification. Xiaomi’s air fryer app was linked to trackers from Facebook, TikTok’s ad network, and Chinese tech giant Tencent, while Aigostar’s fryer sought gender and birthdate details during setup. Both products transmitted data to servers in China, as noted in their privacy notices.

Other smart devices also raised significant concerns. Huawei’s Ultimate smartwatch requested nine invasive permissions, including access to precise location and stored files. Samsung’s smart TVs sought postcodes during setup and were linked to trackers from Facebook and Google. Bose’s smart speaker required minimal permissions but was filled with trackers, performing poorly on consent protocols.

The findings suggest that manufacturers often collect excessive data, potentially for third-party marketing purposes, with little transparency. Which? is calling for stricter regulations and privacy prioritisation by manufacturers.

The UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) plans to introduce guidelines for smart product manufacturers in Spring 2025. Harry Rose, editor of Which?, emphasised the urgency: “Smart tech manufacturers are collecting data with little transparency. The upcoming ICO guidelines must include effective enforcement, especially for companies based abroad.”

Which? is urging companies to rebuild consumer trust by ensuring greater transparency and safeguarding user privacy.