A recent investigation found that two popular Chinese air fryer models were tracking their owners, suggesting that tracking behavior extends beyond smartphones to other smart devices.
Apps related to air fryers have been found to be able to eavesdrop and share the collected data. Specifically, an app related to Chinese tech brand Xiaomi was found to have connections to trackers from Facebook, TikTok's advertising arm Pangle, and tech giant Tencent.
Another air fryer model from the Aigostar brand also requires users to provide personal information such as gender and date of birth when setting up an account. Many apps ask users to allow location tracking and phone recording without explaining why.
An investigation by UK-based Which? found that this data collection could result in the information being passed on to third parties for marketing purposes. Which? also said that both Xiaomi and Aigostar sent personal data to servers in China.
Which? magazine editor Harry Rose highlighted that the research shows smart technology manufacturers can collect data from consumers in a reckless, often non-transparent way.
Which? has called for clear guidance for smart product manufacturers, and the UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has confirmed it will introduce a data privacy rulebook (GDRP) by spring 2025 with effective enforcement including for companies operating overseas.
For its part, Xiaomi insists that the company complies with all UK data protection laws and does not sell personal information to third parties. It also says that the recording permissions on the Xiaomi Home app do not apply to the Xiaomi Smart Air Fryer, as the product does not operate via voice commands and video chat.
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