Visit Airfryer fryers are all the rage. They can be used to cook food without using oil, but with hot air. A good service, but at what price? According to a study by the British consumer association Wichsome models of connected Airfryers would not hesitate to collect personal datareports The Guardian.
The association singled out three models. One of the fryers is produced by Chinese giant Xiaomi, another by the Aigostar company and the last by the American brand Cosori. These products are associated with smartphone-based applications. The one supplied by Xiaomi is linked to Facebook trackers and a TikTok advertising network. Wich has established that the two Chinese models have transmitted the personal data of fryer users to servers in China. “In addition to knowing the precise location of customers, all three products wanted permission to record sound on the user’s phone, for no specific reason,” the study states.
Xiaomi denies
Xiaomi believes it has nothing to reproach itself for, stating that respect for users’ privacy is one of its core values. “We do not sell any personal information to third parties,” the Chinese company said. It added: “The permission to record audio on the Xiaomi Home app does not apply to the Xiaomi smart air fryer, which does not operate directly via voice commands and video chat.”
Wich tested a large number of connected devices. One common thread emerged. “All the devices tested wanted to know the precise location of users,” says the study. The association of consumers believes that “manufacturers are currently able to collect excessive data from consumers, often with little transparency about how it will be used”.