Bundesnetzagentur advises caution when giving smart toys at Christmas
Year of issue 2020
Date of issue 2020.11.27
As Christmas approaches, the Bundesnetzagentur is warning about smart toys and networked everyday objects that breach privacy.
"Smart toys may look harmless, but if they're covertly recording sound or images and are able to transmit these data, they are not allowed,"
said Jochen Homann, Bundesnetzagentur president. "It's worth looking closely at any smart toys that you may find on wish lists and reading the product specifications carefully."
Product categories
The Bundesnetzagentur's warning focuses in particular on certain categories of product:
Smart toys
Toys that are capable of transmitting signals and can "listen in" to conversations between a child and others or can "spy" on them – such as app-controlled robots, talking dolls or networked cuddly toys – are not permitted in Germany. Toys that respond to a child's questions without connecting to the internet or transmitting data, for example to the manufacturer, are allowed, however.
Smart watches with listening or secret image-taking function
If, in addition to a normal telephony function, a smart watch has a listening function (often known as "voice monitoring", "baby monitoring" or "one-way conversation") or a secret image-taking function, it is banned in Germany. In such cases, the smart watch's microphone or camera can be activated using an app or a text message, so that all voices and sounds nearby can be heard or pictures can be taken secretly.
Neither the wearer of the watch nor those around them are aware that this is happening.
GPS/GSM trackers with listening function
GPS/GSM trackers enable stolen vehicles or lost pets to be located. They are also installed in company cars or goods vehicles for commercial purposes. However, if the trackers have a listening function activated by an app or a text message, they are banned in Germany. This listening function could be activated by anyone who knows the phone number of a GPS/GSM tracker's SIM card.
Pet feeders/treat dispensers with camera and/or microphone
Automatic pet feeders/treat dispensers may be prohibited if they can secretly transmit images or audio files using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to the owner's smartphone.
What consumers should look out for
- Does an item have a camera or microphone that can transmit signals?
- Is wireless transmission used to send image or sound files to the manufacturer? If so, the person being recorded must have full control.
- If it is possible to access the microphone or camera secretly from elsewhere, the item is not allowed.
The Bundesnetzagentur recommends that consumers find out exactly how networked everyday objects work before buying them. Consumers should also read the product specifications and data protection provisions of any relevant apps carefully.
Assistance from the Bundesnetzagentur
Consumers who are not sure if a particular article is banned can ask the Bundesnetzagentur for advice by sending an email to spionagegeraete@bnetza.de or calling 030 22480-500 (Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 12:00 noon).
More information on banned transmitting equipment can be found at: www.bundesnetzagentur.de/verbotenesendeanlagen (in German).