Federal Network Agency urges caution when buying smart devices
The Federal Network Agency advises consumers to exercise caution when buying smart devices. It has already discovered necklaces with microphones etc.
(Image: Aliaksandr Maskalenka/Shutterstock.com)
The Federal Network Agency is urging consumers to exercise caution when using smart products such as toys, vacuum robots, glasses or automatic feeders. These could secretly make audio or video recordings and transmit them to other devices. In addition, the Federal Network Agency has once again discovered various spying devices on the market, such as necklaces with a hidden microphone, flower baskets with a spy camera or video-enabled shavers.
"People must be able to clearly recognize when they are being recorded, especially in children's rooms," emphasizes Klaus MĂĽller, President of the Federal Network Agency.
Prohibited products
According to the Federal Network Agency, smart everyday products are banned in Germany if they can secretly make audio and/or video recordings and transmit them wirelessly to other devices, for example via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
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The Federal Network Agency recommends finding out how connected products with a built-in camera or microphone work before buying them. People must be able to clearly recognize that they are being recorded – for example through visible or audible signals during recording. It is also helpful to check the product description and the privacy policy of the associated apps.
(mack)
