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Bun­desnet­za­gen­tur ad­vis­es cau­tion when buy­ing smart Christ­mas presents

Year of issue 2023
Date of issue 2023.12.06

The Bundesnetzagentur is advising people in the run-up to Christmas to be cautious when buying smart products. Devices with hidden cameras or microphones that can record sounds or take pictures without people noticing and send them to other devices are not allowed in Germany.

"Internet-connected devices that can be used to spy on people and intrude on their privacy are banned. They may make our life easier but they cannot be allowed to invade our privacy. Devices like these have especially no place in children's bedrooms," said Klaus Müller, Bundesnetzagentur President. 

Caution with these products

Smart glasses are not allowed unless they have a light or sound signal that alerts people sufficiently that photos are being taken or videos are being shot. The privacy of people nearby is only safeguarded if they are aware that sounds or images are being recorded.

Children's smart watches are controlled by parents using an app. These watches are not allowed if they can be used to listen in to nearby conversations without people noticing. 

GPS trackers can be used to track pets or find lost keys but are banned in Germany if they have a microphone that can be used to listen to sounds near the tracker without anyone noticing.

Robot vacuum cleaners are prohibited if they can secretly send images or audio files using wi-fi or Bluetooth to the owner's smartphone. The deciding factor is whether or not they have a light or sound signal to show that sounds or images are being recorded. The Bundesnetzagentur is currently looking at what products are being offered on the market.

There is no end to the range of spying devices. The Bundesnetzagentur has recently discovered toothbrush holders with hidden cameras, kettles with microphones and Japanese-style beckoning cats with video cameras.

Banned spying devices

Smart products can exchange data with other devices via the internet or can be controlled using an app. They are often equipped with cameras and microphones. This can be a problem if people nearby are not aware that sounds or images are being recorded.

Smart products used in everyday life are banned in Germany if:

  1. they can record sounds or images without people noticing; and
  2. they can send sounds or images to other devices without a cable.

Tips for consumers

Consumers should be cautious with products that have a camera or microphone:

  • a light or sound signal must make people nearby aware that the product is recording sounds or taking pictures;
  • it must not be possible for someone to secretly access the microphone or camera from elsewhere;
  • consumers should find out exactly how an internet-connected product works before buying it;
  • consumers should check the product specification and the data protection provisions for the product's app.

Help from the Bundesnetzagentur

Anyone who is not sure about a product can contact the Bundesnetzagentur for advice by sending an email to spionagegeraete@bnetza.de or calling 0228 14 15 16.

Further information is available at www.bundesnetzagentur.de/spionagegeraete (in German).

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