Electronic devices are particularly popular during the Christmas season. But the Federal Network Agency has now issued a warning for smart home products. We'll explain what you should pay attention to.
The market for smart home devices has grown enormously in recent years. The proportion of households that use smart homes is currently estimated to be around 45 percent. According to forecasts, this number is expected to rise to over 90 percent by 2028.
The product range extends from smart speakers to smart vacuum robots to smart surveillance cameras on the doorbell. But not all of these devices are actually permitted in Germany.
Smart devices can make everyday life much easier or safer for many people. However, the Federal Network Agency has issued a warning due to the risks and explained what should be taken into account when purchasing smart home products.
Warning: Not everything is allowed in the smart home sector
The Federal Network Agency primarily warns against smart devices that have built-in cameras and microphones. These can pose a risk to privacy if they record videos or audios unnoticed and can then transfer these recordings to other devices.
“Smart toys, smart vacuum robots or smart glasses can make our lives easier, but the associated risks to privacy should not be underestimated,” explains Federal Network Agency President Klaus Müller.
People must be able to clearly see when they are being recorded, especially in children's rooms.
If this is not possible, the smart products are banned in Germany. Because then they are spy devices. These include devices that can film or eavesdrop on people unnoticed and can transmit these recordings wirelessly to other devices via WLAN or Bluetooth.
When are smart devices allowed?
Nevertheless, surveillance cameras are allowed in Germany if they meet certain requirements. These include, among other things, smart doorbells.
These can be used, for example, to secure the apartment or property and are usually equipped with a motion detector. In Germany, however, these devices are only permitted if they are clearly visible.
The Federal Network Agency also warns against automatic food and treat machines for pets. In case of doubt, these can also be prohibited if they can take pictures without being noticed.
The same applies to smart glasses or vacuum robots. If these devices can take photos, videos or audio unnoticed and send them wirelessly to other devices, they are banned in Germany. According to the Federal Network Agency, the decisive factor is whether “the recording situation is clearly recognizable to the person being recorded”.
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Source: https://www.basicthinking.de/blog/2024/12/03/warnung-smart-home/
