Purchasing a smart device

Read the privacy statement carefully

Smart devices collect data that can say a lot about you and others. It is important that you know in advance what happens with your data when you use a device. When you know this, ask yourself if you actually want this.

The privacy statement that comes with a device can be found on the manufacturer's website. It must be easy to find and understandable.

The manufacturer's privacy statement must contain the following information, among other things:

• how you can contact the company if you have any questions;
• which personal data the company processes of you;
• why the company does this (for which specific purpose);
• whether the company processes your data outside the European Union (EU);
• whether the company shares your data with or sells them on to other parties and if so, to which parties;
• what your privacy rights are and how you can exercise them.

Do you want to know more about this? View the Right to information. 

Take a critical look at the security

Search for independent information about the security of the device. You can do this by searching on consumer websites or in consumer magazines for:

• reliable tests;
• any known security risks;
• experiences of other users.

You can also consult the product guarantees of the manufacturer. Here you can find, for example, an announcement of future software updates by the manufacturer. Does the manufacturer does not give clear information about the safety of the product? Or are you unable to find the information? Then ask the manufacturer or the (web)shop for it.

Select the (web)shop and manufacturer with due care

Consider carefully at which (web)shop you want to buy your smart device. Do not, therefore, look at the price or the ease of use only. Sometimes, products from outside the EU may seem a cheap alternative option. You can, for example, easily buy such a product at a (web)shop outside the EU or during a holiday, and take it home with you. But this may entail privacy risks.

A few examples:

• Do you buy your device at a (web)shop established outside the EU? Then it may sometimes be difficult to exercise your privacy rights there.
• Do you buy a device without an EU seal of quality? Then you bring a product into your home that is not guaranteed to meet the European standards. As a result, the security and the guarantee of the product may be inadequate.

Registering and transmitting data

Devices can also transmit your data to servers outside the EU, while this is not allowed without good grounds.

The privacy risk involved is even higher if:

• vulnerable people, such as children or people with a disability, use the device;
• the device registers sensitive (personal) data of you, such as data about your health or about your financial affairs;
• the device also registers data of and about other people than you yourself, such as your household members, neighbours, visitors or passers-by.

No clear information from the manufacturer

Does the manufacturer of the device you want to buy not give clear information? For example, about the security (such as software updates) or how you can set the device to ensure that it is privacy-friendly? Ask for this information at the (web)shop where you want to buy the product.

Are you not satisfied with the answer? Then ask which other device you can buy that is demonstrably safe and privacy-friendly. If need be, at another (web)shop.