The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) is developing guidance on data protection and the "Internet of Things" (IoT) in response to concerns raised by the consumer (消费者) watchdog, Which?, over "data harvesting" by smart home devices (设备).
Which? examined how businesses collect data from various devices like smart speakers, washing machines, TVs, video doorbells, and security (安全) cameras. They discovered that businesses behind these devices are collecting more data than they need Rocio Concha from Which? stated that consumers have already paid for smart products, in some cases thousands of pounds, so it's unfair that they have to continue to "pay" with their personal information.
The UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requires organizations to collect personal data that is necessary in relation to the purposes for which it is processed.
"To keep trust in these products, companies must be open about the data they collect and how they use it, and ensure that the data is not used or shared in ways that people would not expect." said Stephen Almond, ICO's executive director of regulatory risk. He said businesses behind connected devices can expect the ICG to "act where we don't see the rules being followed."
The promise of action comes at a time when the ICO has opened a separate review into how fertility (生育力) tracking apps process users' personal data due to concerns raised in a survey. The survey found that over half of women have concerns over data security, and more than half of people who use the apps have noticed an increase in baby or fertility-related ads (广告).
The ICO encourages users to share their experiences through a survey to identify any possible harm from these apps. Emily Keaney, deputy commissioner of regulatory policy of the ICO, sand that they expect organizations running health apps to safeguard their users privacy and have clear guidelines in place.
"This review aims to find out both the good and bad of how the apps are working at present. We will take action to protect the public if necessary," said Keaney.
