The Federal Network Agency (BNetzA) has therefore issued a warning against smart products just in time for Black Friday 2024. In it, the authority emphasizes that all those products that enable secret recordings and can transmit them to other devices, for example via WLAN or Bluetooth, are prohibited in Germany.
“Smart toys, smart robot vacuum cleaners or smart glasses can make our lives easier, but the risks to privacy associated with them should not be underestimated. People must be able to see clearly when they are being admitted, especially in children’s rooms,” explains BNetzA President Klaus Müller in this regard.
Devices must warn of recordings
As examples of potentially espionage-friendly devices, the BNetzA cites smart doorbells, pet feeders, smart glasses, robot vacuum cleaners and other devices that have built-in cameras and microphones. As part of its market research, the authority also claims to have found necklaces with hidden microphones, flower baskets with built-in spy cameras and video-capable razors.
According to the Federal Network Agency, all these products are only permitted in Germany if they clearly warn of ongoing recordings through acoustic or visual signals. Accordingly, it must be clearly recognizable for a recorded person that he or she is currently being recorded.
Consumers are therefore advised to find out exactly how connected products work before purchasing them and to read the product descriptions and privacy policies of the associated apps carefully. The BNetzA has published further information on bans on networked devices on a separate information page.
