The ICO has announced a crackdown on connected devices and is working on developing new rules and action to be taken against manufacturers who fail in their data security obligations.

The news follows the publication of a Which? report that analysed the data collection practices of popular home device brands. The report concluded that almost all connected devices sold in the UK required data surplus to the devices’ performance. 

Some examples included smart TVs that asked for users’ viewing habits and a smart washing machine that requires people’s date of birth. Most brands also required exact location data. 

Which? also found that certain companies were sharing customer data with firms such as TikTok and Meta. 

“Consumers have already paid for smart products, in some cases thousands of pounds, so it is excessive that they have to continue to ‘pay’ with their personal information,” said Rocio Concha, Which? director of policy and advocacy.

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