But an air fryer? That’s one gadget most people wouldn’t expect to be eavesdropping.
These kitchen devices are loved for their ability to quickly crisp up a meal, not for their connectivity.
So why would an air fryer need access to your microphone or other personal data?
The answer, as it often does in tech, lies in the ever-increasing demand for consumer data by companies.
This included air fryers requesting permission to record audio through users’ phones.
The investigation focused on three models from Chinese brands Xiaomi, Tencent, and Aigostar.
It found that these devices asked customers for audio recording permissions without providing clear reasons.
Notably, the study pointed out that both Xiaomi and Aigostar included in their privacy notices that personal data might be sent to servers located in China.
Depending on the user’s location, connections to the tech giant Tencent were also possible.
Aigostar air fryers, meanwhile, requested additional details such as the user’s gender and date of birth.
While these fields were marked as optional, all three air fryers investigated also sought to access the precise location of their users.
When reached for comment Aigostar stated their air fryers are not capable of audio recording and clarified: “We do not collect audio data from our devices.”
Aigostar added: “While some general information is listed in our privacy policy, we are actively streamlining our data practices to ensure we only request necessary information,”
They also reiterated their commitment to data privacy, stating: “We respect user control over their data. Aigostar allows users to delete their accounts at any time, and upon account deletion, all associated data is permanently removed from our servers. Customers can find more information about our privacy policies [here].”
Reacting to the Which? findings, Harry Rose, editor of Which? magazine, raised concerns over the lack of transparency by some manufacturers. He explained: “Our research shows how smart tech manufacturers and the firms they work with are currently able to collect data from consumers, seemingly with reckless abandon, and this is often done with little or no transparency.”
Rose also mentioned that the organization has been pushing for stricter guidelines on what smart device manufacturers are allowed to do with user data. Meanwhile, the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has promised updated guidance on data protection compliance in 2025.
Speaking to Sky News, Almond stated: “Ultimately, what we’re seeing is actually consumers paying twice. Paying first for the product that they’re buying, but then second, paying with their data.”
He added: “And that data is being used potentially for targeted advertising, also gathering more information about how the market is developing in this sort of area. So it’s really important if these devices are to be used with trust by people, that the industry comes clean around how people’s information is being used.”
