The privacy risks of some of the most popular tech products

A new report released by Mozilla has highlighted some of the privacy risks associated with popular tech products, as companies continue to use confusing privacy policies.

According to the report, which contains information on some of the most popular tech gadgets, a large number of products could put users’ personal data at risk. 

The “Privacy Not Included”  guide looks at devices that require a WiFi connection and highlights any security red flags, including intentionally misleading customers with their privacy disclosures and any other problems with how the company uses personal data.  

A large number of devices were flagged in the report as being “super creepy”, with warnings given about how the companies are using customer data. 

After carefully reviewing each product, the researchers at Mozilla go into depth about how personal data is being used with each product and the risks that could pose. 

Some of the highest-risk products in the report were from tech giants Google, Meta, Amazon, and Facebook, although some products were also flagged by other companies. 

Among countless others, the list of devices that have privacy concerns included: 

  • Amazon Kindle
  • Amazon Astro Robot
  • Amazon Halo Rise
  • Amazon Echo Studio
  • Amazon Halo Band
  • Amazon Voice Remotes
  • Facebook and Meta Portal
  • Barnes & Noble Nook
  • Nintendo Switch
  • Google Fitbit Versa 4
  • Samsung Galaxy Watch4
  • Roku Streaming Sticks
  • NordicTrack Treadmill

One of the biggest risks associated with these products is monitoring. For example, some of them track daily habits like your location, your IP address, when you turn the lights on, what music you listen to, which TV shows you watch, names in your contact list, and more.

Some devices were ranked as being safer, including Garmin Smartwatches, Sonos Speakers, Microsoft Surface Headphones 2, Apple HomePod Mini, Apple TV 4K, the Xbox Series X & S, Google Nest X Yale Lock, Apple AirPods, AirPods Pro, the Oura Ring, and Google Pixel Buds A-Series.  

However, for the devices that weren’t ranked as safe, in some cases, companies are collecting data that can be sold to third-party companies. This can be used to target ads based on your interests and habits, among other things. 

 

Linda Conrad

Recent Posts

CVS Removes Prescription Requirement for COVID-19 Vaccines Nationwide

  The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approved a recommendation requiring patients to…

2 weeks ago

Albanian Judge Fatally Shot Inside Tirana Courtroom

  A judge presiding at Tirana's appeals court was fatally shot Monday by a defendant…

3 weeks ago

CDC Acting Director Proposes Splitting MMR Vaccine Without Scientific Backing

  The acting director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has called…

3 weeks ago

Russia Launches Deadly Mass Strike on Ukrainian Cities

  Russia executed a large-scale overnight assault on Ukraine involving missiles and drones, resulting in…

3 weeks ago

Meta to Leverage AI Chat Data for Targeted Advertising

  Meta announced Wednesday that conversations users have with its AI chatbot will soon inform…

3 weeks ago

Taylor Swift’s Concert Film Revitalizes Theater Industry

  American cinema chains are experiencing renewed energy following another disappointing summer box office season.…

3 weeks ago