Smart Home Devices Collecting Excessive User Data

Nowadays, the desire for data extends to regular household appliances like washing machines and TVs, which have been getting more connected to the internet.

In the case of the TVs from LG, Samsung, and Sony, they all display advertisements and request access to user data to tailor the ads to individual preferences.

While tracking can be turned off, Which? discovered that all three companies bundled the settings into a single “accept all” button instead of encouraging customers to better understand what’s going on.

Samsung emphasized that security and privacy are their top priorities and mentioned that their users can review, download, and delete any stored data from their products and apps.

When it comes to smart washing machines, LG’s devices insist on users providing their name, email, phone contacts, precise location, phone number, and date of birth before allowing access to their app.

LG told Sky News the app requested such details “to help tailor the experience, learn habits and anticipate needs, enabling customers to manage their smart appliance on the go”.

“All LG products can be used manually without the need to share personal details,” it said.

Miele’s app defaults to tracking a user’s location, and Hoover’s Android app requires access to contacts

The company said data is collected “to optimise appliance usage and offer customers additional features”. It added it is “transparent with its customers”.

Ms Concha from Which? said: “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.”