Is your air fryer actually spying on you? Investigation reveals simply how a lot info innocuous devices have been harvesting

They are the must-have kitchen gadget of the moment – but your air fryer might just be spying on you.

Now the UK’s data watchdog is planning new rules after a shock investigation revealed just how much information apparently innocuous gadgets have been harvesting.

Consumer magazine Which? discovered several popular models were capable of snooping on their owners, listening in to conversations via their associated phone apps.

The £45 Xiaomi Mi Smart fryer allegedly shared data with the company behind social media site TikTok, while Aigostar’s fryer, which costs £57, was said to be able to send recordings of phone calls to China.

Smart-device surveillance is a growing concern, as many consumers simply tap away permission requests without realising what they have allowed. 

Smart TVs, speakers, security cameras and doorbells may also be spying on owners.

The Information Commissioner’s Office is planning to publish new rules in the spring on how consumers’ data can be used.

ICO policy adviser Slavka Bielikova said: ‘Smart products know a lot about us – who we live with, what music we like, what medication we are taking and much more. 

The UK’s data watchdog is planning new rules after a shock investigation revealed just how much information air fryers have been harvesting (Stock image)

Smart-device surveillance is a growing concern, as many consumers simply tap away permission requests without realising what they have allowed (Stock image)

‘We would expect a smart product to only use and collect the personal data it needs to provide its functions.’

Which? editor Harry Rose warned the guidelines would need to be backed by proper enforcement.

He said: ‘Our research shows how smart tech manufacturers and the firms they work with are.

‘They currently able to collect data from consumers, seemingly with reckless abandon, and this is often done with little or no transparency.’