Keep an eye when shopping for tech gifts this holiday season, suggests the Federal Network Agency. Warned consumers to be cautious when purchasing Christmas gifts that come with hidden spying capabilities. Devices with hidden cameras or microphones, capable of recording audio or video without the user's knowledge, are prohibited in Germany.
Sneaky Spy Gadgets
Witnessed an alarming increase in the variety of spying devices. Devices like toothbrush holders with spy cameras, kettles with microphones, and video-enabled waving cats have all made an appearance. "Smart gadgets that endanger our privacy and can be used for spying are off-limits, even if they make our lives more convenient," explained Klaus Müller, President of the authority.
Prohibited Tech Toys
Plenty to say about the issue of smart gadgets on the market:
- Smart glasses must have visual warnings or acoustic signals to alert people when recording. Without such alerts, the recording situation isn't recognizable to third parties.
- Concerns about children's smartwatches. Parents could have unlimited access to eavesdrop on the wearer's conversations or surroundings without their knowledge.
- GPS trackers can help find pets, but when they involve microphones to listen to ambient sounds without being detected, they pose a threat to consumer privacy.
- Robot vacuums not allowed if they can transmit images or audio files to the owner's smartphone, without alerting bystanders to recording via visual or audible signals.
The Federal Network Agency is actively studying the market to flag any products requiring consumer attention.
Recording Restrictions
In Germany, smart gadgets prohibited if they can record audio or video unnoticed and wirelessly transmit to other devices. Consumers should ensure that recording situations are recognizable to outsiders through visual or audible signals. No one should be able to secretly access the microphone or camera from the outside.
Contact the Federal Network Agency
If consumers have doubts, they can contact the Federal Network Agency for help. Reach out at wenden:[email protected] or call 0228 14 15 16.
IT Security Concerns
Growing IT security concerns have prompted the Federal Network Agency to urge consumers to be cautious when buying smart gadgets, especially those intended for children's use, such as smartwatches. Müller has warned about the potential misuse of smartwatches and GPS trackers, which could infringe on privacy during online shopping.
Consumer Guidance
Consumers urged to seek guidance from the Federal Network Agency regarding banning certain smart gadgets that can't be recognized by outsiders via sound or light signals or have unsecured microphone and camera access. The agency committed to protecting consumers from gadgets that pose a risk to privacy and safety.
Sources:
- BNetzA's FAQ section offers more detailed information on consumer concerns and prohibited smart gadgets.
Enrichment Data: Although the Federal Network Agency hasn't banned any smart gadgets solely based on spying capabilities, it does actively enforce compliance with regulatory requirements for products sold in Germany. The agency 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.
