Smart Gadgets with Spying Capabilities: President's Warning
Stay watchful when buying high-tech gifts this festive season, advises the Federal Network Agency. The Federal Network Agency has cautioned consumers to exercise caution when purchasing Christmas gifts with spying capabilities, as devices with hidden cameras or microphones, which can make and transmit audio or video recordings without the user's knowledge, are banned in Germany.
Devices with a Hidden Spy
Toothbrush holders with spy cameras, kettles with microphones, and video-enabled waving cats--the Federal Network Agency has witnessed an alarming increase in the variety of spying devices. "Smart devices that jeopardize our privacy and can be used for spying are prohibited, even if they make our lives easier," explained Klaus Müller, President of the authority.
Prohibited Smart Products
The agency has much to say about problematic smart products on the market:
- Smart glasses must have visual warning signs or acoustic signals to alert people around them when recording. Without such indications, the recording situation is not recognizable to third parties.
- Children's smartwatches are another concern, with parents potentially having unlimited access to eavesdrop on the watch wearer's conversation or surroundings without their knowledge.
- GPS trackers can locate pets, but when they have a microphone to listen to ambient sounds around the tracker without being detected, they are considered a threat to consumer privacy.
- Robot vacuums are prohibited if they can secretly transmit images or audio files to the owner's smartphone via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. The decisive factor is whether the robot vacuums alert bystanders to recording via visual or auditory signals.
The Bundesnetzagentur is currently studying the market to determine which products require attention from consumers.
Recording Restrictions
In Germany, smart devices are prohibited if they can record audio or video unnoticed and wirelessly transmit to other devices. Consumers should check that recording situations are recognizable to outsiders through visual or auditory signals. Additionally, no one should be able to secretly access the microphone or camera from the outside.
Contact the Federal Network Agency
If consumers have any doubts, they can reach out to the Federal Network Agency for guidance. Contact the agency at wenden:[email protected] or call 0228 14 15 16.
Smart Devices: IT Security Concerns
Amid growing IT security concerns, the Federal Network Agency recommends that consumers be cautious when buying smart devices, especially those intended for children's use, such as smartwatches. The agency's advisor, Klaus Müller, has warned against the potential misuse of smartwatches and GPS trackers, which could infringe on privacy during online shopping.
Consumer Guidance
Consumers are urged to consult the Federal Network Agency for guidance on banning certain smart products that cannot be recognized by outsiders via sound or light signals or have unsecured microphone and camera access. The agency strives to protect consumers from smart products that pose a risk to privacy and safety.
Sources
- -BNetzA's FAQ section has more detailed information on consumer concerns and prohibited smart devices.
Enrichment Data:
Although the Federal Network Agency has not banned any smart devices due to privacy concerns, it actively enforces compliance with technical and formal requirements for products sold in Germany. BNetzA has issued sales bans and corrective actions for non-compliant products, such as remote-controlled drones without conformity documentation, LED lighting equipment without CE marking, and illegal jammers. These actions aim to ensure that products meet legal requirements and do not pose a risk to consumers, particularly from non-EU countries like China. Therefore, while there are no specific smart devices banned solely due to spying capabilities, the Bundesnetzagentur is diligent in enforcing regulations to protect consumers' privacy and safety.
