The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has urged the public to think about their data privacy before buying smart tech devices in Black Friday sales. The data protection regulator has issued a set of tips for shoppers ahead of the online sales event, reminding them to research how different smart devices collect their data before purchasing them. The tips encourage people to “think before you click” to buy a new smart device, but once they do have it to ensure they regularly install software updates, choose a strong password and “be picky” about who gets access to their personal data. Our recent investigation found smart tech firms are collecting more data than they need and burying this important information in lengthy terms and conditions Rocio Concha, Which? “We know that consumers want to enjoy the benefits of smart devices but that they also value their privacy in an increasingly connected world,” information commissioner John Edwards said. “They shouldn’t have to choose between the two. These tips from our tech experts will help consumers to make informed purchases and have more control over how their personal data is being used.” The ICO’s guidance also encourages people to wipe their old devices before they get rid of them, and request their data be deleted via a device’s settings or by contacting the company behind the device. Rocio Concha, director of policy and advocacy at consumer group Which? said: “Which? is warning consumers to be wary when shopping for connected tech products this Black Friday. “Make sure you have researched the product you’re thinking of buying, steer clear of any that have concerning security flaws and check to see how you can control the data the device is able to access or collect. “Our recent investigation found smart tech firms are collecting more data than they need and burying this important information in lengthy terms and conditions. “It’s positive that the ICO is looking at updating its guidelines on smart tech privacy and vital that this leads to better protection for consumers against accidentally giving up huge swathes of their own data without realising.” Read More Meta to allow users to delete Threads accounts without losing Instagram AI among biggest threats to next UK election, cyber security agency warns AI can create Caucasian faces that look more real than actual humans – study

SAVE 66%: A two-year subscription to NordVPN Complete is on sale for £126.43, saving you

NHL teams, media, and fans are frustrated with Elon Musk for setting access limits on Twitter the day that 2023 free agency officially began.When the clock struck noon ET on July 1, the NHL free agency frenzy began. Prior to free agency opening, teams were allowed to speak with their own players...

An Indian spacecraft is set to blaze its way to the far side of the moon in a follow-up mission to a failed effort nearly four years ago to land a rover softly on the lunar surface

For a second straight year, banks are making more money providing loans and underwriting bond sales for green-related

When Indonesia agreed last year to clean up its energy system with an estimated $20 billion of help

Amouranth found an opponent when BTS' Jungkook unexpectedly fell asleep while streaming

HSBC Holdings Plc is offering trading of crypto-linked exchange traded funds to customers in Hong Kong amid a

Chris Pavlovski said, 'Spammers trying to destroy Rumble's reputation by creating a fake narrative with bots won't be treated with white gloves'

Babbel is an online, self-paced language-learning program. The instruction is good, and it's more challenging

'The Bachelorette' Season 20 star Charity Lawson's brother Nehemiah wants to make sure that she gives her rose to the right man

LONDON British interior minister Suella Braverman said she wanted to work constructively with Facebook-owner Meta over the issue