• News
    • Tech News
    • AI
  • Gadgets
    • Apple
    • iPhone
  • Gaming
    • Playstation
    • Xbox
  • Science
    • News
    • Space
  • Streaming
    • Netflix
  • Vehicles
    • Car News
  • Social Media
    • WhatsApp
    • YouTube
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • UNILAD
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
TikTok
Snapchat
WhatsApp
Submit Your Content
Experts issue urgent warning that your air fryer could be spying on you and sending personal data to China

Home> News> Tech News

Published 11:30 6 Nov 2024 GMT

Experts issue urgent warning that your air fryer could be spying on you and sending personal data to China

Some air fryers are audio recording our conversations

Rikki Loftus

Rikki Loftus

Experts have issued an urgent warning to air fryer fans that the device could be spying on you.

They have also warned that the kitchen appliance could be sending your personal data to China.

This is according to an investigation which found that two popular models of air fryers were spying on their owners.

Advert

Some air fryers have been found to be spying on their owners (andreswd/Getty Images)
Some air fryers have been found to be spying on their owners (andreswd/Getty Images)

It might sound like the start of a Black Mirror episode but unfortunately, this isn’t fiction.

While fears around smartphones listening in on our conversations have been swirling around for years, it turns out that they might not be the only device at home that is spying on us.

Apps linked to air fryers have been found listening in on conversations and sharing the data they collect.

Advert

One app, which is linked to Chinese tech brand Xiaomi, was found to be connected to trackers from Facebook, TikTok’s ad business Pangle and fellow tech giant Tencent.

Another air fryer, which is from another Chinese brand Aigostar, asked for personal information including gender and date of birth when setting up an account.

Some of the apps asked users for permission to track their location and to record audio on their phone.

According to an investigation conducted by Which?, the reasoning behind the request for the data is not explained in the app.

Advert

The investigation has found that some air fryers are listening to us (Joan Cros/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
The investigation has found that some air fryers are listening to us (Joan Cros/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

But the investigation has said that the data collection suggests that it might be passed on to third parties for marketing reasons.

Which? have also said that Xiaomi and Aigostar were both sending personal data to servers in China.

In a statement, Which? magazine editor Harry Rose said: “Our research shows how smart tech manufacturers and the firms they work with are currently able to collect data from consumers, seemingly with reckless abandon, and this is often done with little or no transparency.

Advert

“Which? has been calling for proper guidelines outlining what is expected of smart product manufacturers and the ICO has confirmed a code is being introduced in Spring 2025 – this must be backed by effective enforcement, including against companies that operate abroad.”

Xiaomi released a statement where it said that the firm adheres to all UK data protection laws, adding that ‘we do not sell personal information to third parties.”

The company went on to say: “The permission to record audio on Xiaomi Home app is not applicable to Xiaomi Smart Air Fryer which does not operate directly through voice commands and video chat.”

Featured Image Credit: Joan Cros/NurPhoto/andreswd/Getty Images
China
Gadgets
Tech News
Cybersecurity

Advert

Advert

Advert

Choose your content:

a day ago
  • a day ago

    American businesses issued stark warning of cyberattacks as war in Iran escalates

    It could have a devastating impact on American companies

    News
  • a day ago

    Scientists issue warning after harmful species breed to form terrifying 'hybrid swarms'

    The new species can't be stopped from growing its colonies

    Science
  • a day ago

    Donald Trump's golden phone has everyone talking about his $640 'Rump' watch scandal

    The president's watches arrived with a major typo

    News
  • a day ago

    Telegram founder with over 100 children reveals how much of his $17,000,000,000 fortune they'll get

    His legion of kids won't be fighting over the inheritance

    News
  • Urgent warning issued to public as 16,000,000,000 passwords are leaked in 'biggest data breach ever'
  • Simple way to tell if your air fryer is spying on you following alarming revelation
  • FBI issue warning to Android and iPhone users as attacks increase by 700% in one month
  • Security experts issue urgent WhatsApp update over new ‘spoofing’ hack