Whether it is a remote-controlled trolley, a smart watch or a robot vacuum cleaner: all toys or devices that are connected to the network and equipped with a camera or a microphone can invade the privacy of their users or those in the immediate vicinity. .
The German regulatory agency for telecommunications advises that, before buying these devices, you must carefully read the descriptions of the products and the data protection regulations.
In certain circumstances, there are devices that are even illegal, for example, those that can be used to wirelessly record and transmit conversations or images without effective consent or control.
Devices that are particularly suitable or even intended for inadvertent recording are also very dangerous. It is also not allowed to use it if the device can be accessed remotely, for example, through an application, to spy on or observe someone unnoticed.
Examples of prohibited devices include smart watches with listening capabilities. Consumers should be skeptical if these are offered with features like “voice surveillance”, “baby monitor” or “one-way talk” that go beyond a normal phone function.
This is because it is likely that the microphone or the camera of the smartwatch can be activated remotely through an application or a text command by SMS without the wearer of the watch or third parties nearby being able to perceive it.
Robot vacuum cleaners with a camera and / or microphone can also pose a hazard if they are in a position to secretly transmit images or audio wirelessly to the owner’s mobile. The deciding factor in this case is whether there are acoustic or visual cues that make a recording recognizable to third parties.
Toys can also be affected: dolls, robots or remote-controlled cars that are controlled via an app and equipped with possibly hidden cameras or microphones also often fall into the prohibited category. In particular, the German agency warns of those toys that connect to the Internet.
Especially suspicious are those products that look like everyday objects and can inadvertently record and transmit images and sounds. According to the German regulatory agency, Scent dispensers and tissue boxes have recently drawn attention in this category.
Also very doubtful is the use of so-called trackers, which detect a location by satellite (GPS) or mobile phone (GSM) to monitor cars, bicycles, animals or other objects. These are often no bigger than a matchbox. In some countries, these trackers are prohibited if they can be activated, unnoticed, through an app or SMS text command.
Paul is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment and general news. He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established herself as a respected voice in the industry.
