The consumer advice center is currently warning of data protection risks with smart . These appliances, which can be controlled via apps and are often “smartly” networked, collect and send data to manufacturer servers, sometimes even abroad. Consumer advocates fear that sensitive user data is inadequately protected, which could pose potential security and privacy risks for users.
- More on the topic: The best hot air fryer – Our recommendations for purchase
The most important facts in a nutshell
- Smart deep fryers sometimes collect extensive user data
- Data is also transferred to other countries
- Data protection concerns with unencrypted transmission
- Manufacturers react with statements on data processing
Data protection problems with hot air fryers
Smart air fryers offer practical functions such as app control, recipe suggestions and remote control. You can find out what to look out for when buying in our guide. However, the networking of many smart models comes at a price: many of these appliances transmit collected data such as usage behavior and personal preferences to manufacturers, often unencrypted.
Some of this data is even sent abroad, for example to China, which poses risks according to data protection experts, as international data transfers entail complex data protection issues. For users, this means that their data may be processed in countries whose data protection guidelines are significantly less strict than those in the EU.
The consumer advice center advises users of smart air fryers to critically examine the data protection conditions and recommends deactivating the internet connection of the air fryer if it is not absolutely necessary. It is particularly problematic that many manufacturers do not provide transparent information about what data is collected and where it is sent. The fear is that sensitive information could fall into the wrong hands or be used for unwanted advertising purposes.
Statement from the manufacturers
Some manufacturers of smart kitchen appliances have now responded to the allegations and emphasize that all data processing is carried out in accordance with applicable data protection regulations. Most manufacturers argue that the data collected is anonymized or only used for internal purposes such as improving app usability. They also promise to improve encryption technologies and increase the transparency of data protection guidelines. Nevertheless, consumer advocates remain skeptical and are calling for concrete measures.
Conclusion
The warning from the consumer advice center shows that smart air fryers and other smart kitchen gadgets do not just bring technical innovations. They also pose new challenges in terms of data protection. Users should be aware that these devices collect personal information and may pass it on. Manufacturers are called upon to increase trust in their products through transparency and improved safety standards.
