The UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is sounding a warning to Black Friday shoppers, urging them to thoroughly assess the privacy and security features of smart devices before making purchases. Amidst the ongoing review of the tech category, the data protection regulator emphasizes the potential risk to personal data that buyers might unknowingly expose themselves to.
In preparation for the upcoming sales period, the ICO has issued a set of tips for smart gadget buyers, encouraging them to scrutinize how their chosen devices plan to use their data. By simplifying the process through skimming privacy policies and reviewing app store permissions, the ICO aims to empower consumers to make informed choices.
Information Commissioner John Edwards emphasizes that consumers should not have to compromise between enjoying the benefits of smart devices and valuing their privacy in an increasingly interconnected world. The provided tips from tech experts aim to assist consumers in making informed purchases and maintaining control over the use of their personal data.
Rocio Concha, director of policy and advocacy at consumer rights group Which?, reinforces the caution, citing previous research that uncovered manufacturers collecting excessive data and burying such practices in lengthy terms and conditions. She advises shoppers to research products thoroughly, avoid those with security flaws, and understand how to control the data accessed or collected by the chosen smart device.
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