Overview

• The ICO published its first-ever guidance on June 16 to ensure smart device developers responsibly collect, use and share personal data.
• It targets products such as app-connected air fryers, fridges, doorbells and washing machines that may harvest excessive information.
• Investigations by Which? and public workshops revealed that four in five U.K. households own smart devices and many users feel powerless over data handling.
• Manufacturers are urged to limit data collection to necessary information, provide transparent privacy notices and simplify processes for users to access or erase their data.
• The regulator pledges enforcement against unlawful practices and has issued consumer advice on researching devices, checking permissions and securing personal information.