Curious Minds is where big questions meet everyday curiosity—exploring how science, technology, and imagination shape our world. From kids to grandparents, everyone can find something to spark their mind here.

In this episode (Ep. 8): What if the most ordinary device in your home — your air fryer — wasn’t just cooking your dinner, but quietly collecting data about your life?
Sai dives deep into the hidden world of smart home surveillance, where everyday gadgets like TVs, vacuums, and refrigerators may be gathering more information than we realize.

We unpack how permissions, companion apps, and data-sharing practices turn convenience into quiet surveillance. From real-world hacks to evolving global regulations in the EU, US, India, and China, Sai explores what governments are doing — and what you, as a user, can do — to protect your privacy.

Because in this digital age, silence is not acceptance. It is surrender.

Disclaimer:

This episode is crafted with the support of advanced AI tools to ensure clarity, smooth delivery, and an engaging listening experience. All information is drawn from credible, publicly available research, and any discussion of potential risks reflects the current understanding of subject-matter experts. This content is intended for educational and informational use only. It does not provide medical, legal, or policy advice, nor does it express political opinions or seek to influence any election. Listeners are encouraged to explore the referenced sources for further detail.

#SmartHomePrivacy #DigitalPrivacy #IOTSecurity #DataProtection #TechEthics #CuriousMindsPodcast #AirFryerSpying #PrivacyByDesign #ConsumerRights

Sources:

• “Why is my air fryer spying on me?” Which?, 2024. Available at: https://www.which.co.uk/policy-and-insight/article/why-is-my-air-fryer-spying-on-me-a9Fa24K6gY1c

• “Your Household Smart Products Must Respect Your Privacy.” Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), UK, 2025. Available at: https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/uk-gdpr-guidance-and-resources/online-tracking/guidance-for-consumer-internet-of-things-products-and-services/

• “California family's smart home devices hacked leading to burglary.” CNN, 2024. Available at: https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/09/tech/smart-home-cameras-hackers-security

• “Privacy Risks in Smart Home Apps: A Closer Look at Data Collection.” ComplexDiscovery, 2024. Available at: https://complexdiscovery.com/privacy-risks-in-smart-home-apps-a-closer-look-at-data-collection/

• “Smart Home Statistics 2025: Smart Device Usage, Privacy Concerns.” Statista / SQ Magazine, 2025. Available at: https://sqmagazine.co.uk/smart-home-statistics/

• “Smart Products Surveyed Fail to Provide Consumers with Information on How Long Companies will Provide Software Updates.” Federal Trade Commission press release, 26 November 2024. Available at: https://www.ftc.gov/terms/internet-things
• “Smart TV tracking raises privacy concerns.” University College London News, 10 November 2024. Available at: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2024/nov/smart-tv-tracking-raises-privacy-concerns
• “Smart TVs capture viewing data even when used as external screens.” TechXplore, 10 December 2024. Available at: https://www.techxplore.com/news/2024-12-smart-tvs-viewing-external-screens.html
• “Consumer Policy and the Smart Home.” OECD Report, April 2018. Available at: https://www.oecd.org/content/dam/oecd/en/publications/reports/2018/04/consumer-policy-and-the-smart-home_5cd05699/e124c34a-en.pdf
• Haney, J. M. (2024). Smart Home Device Loss of Support: Consumer Risks from Unsupported Devices. NIST Publication. Available at: https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=936232
• “Connected Tech: Smart or Sinister?” House of Commons Digital, Culture, Media & Sport Committee, 7 August 2023. Available at: https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5803/cmselect/cmcumeds/157/report.html