Smart gadgets: Tougher rules for sellers of internet-enabled devices in the UK – BBC

Manufacturers will have to follow stricter rules if they want to sell "smart" gadgets in the UK after a new law came into effect.
It is designed to ensure there is better security around devices such as baby monitors, televisions and speakers that are linked to the internet.
These gadgets can pose a risk because cyber-criminals use them to hack into home networks and steal private data.
The government said the new law should give consumers "peace of mind".
The risks have ballooned in recent years as our houses have filled with more and more web-linked devices – from games consoles to fitness trackers, doorbells and even dishwashers – also sometimes referred to as the "internet of things".
Until now, manufacturers were expected to follow security guidelines, but the new law makes three new requirements:
Failure to meet these minimum requirements, known as the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure (PSTI) regime, can trigger fines.
The government said the laws were a "world first" that would protect UK consumers and businesses and boost the country's resilience against cybercrime.
The Department for Science Innovation and Technology (DSIT) said more than half of UK households now had a smart TV and more than half had a voice assistant such as Alexa. It said homes contained an average of nine connected devices.
As well as basic broadband routers, that can include toys that are linked to the web, or home appliances such as radiators, ovens and fridges that can be controlled remotely.
However, since their adoption there has also been a proliferation of reports of hackers taking over such devices to misuse them, sometimes filming or recording covertly, spying on people, or stealing personal data.
Sarah Lyons, from the National Cyber Security Centre, said firms making the products needed to take responsibility.
"Businesses have a major role to play in protecting the public by ensuring the smart products they manufacture, import or distribute provide ongoing protection against cyber-attacks and this landmark Act will help consumers to make informed decisions about the security of products they buy," she said.
Ken Munro a security researcher for Pen Test Partners, a firm that carries out ethical hacking against smart devices, described the new law as "a step in the right direction".
"It's got teeth, which I love," he said.
Previously it has been too easy for manufacturers to end support for older products as they rolled out new models, he said, and it would be useful for consumers to be able to compare how many years of support were promised for the product they are purchasing.
A longer support period suggested a manufacturer that was generally taking cyber-security seriously, he said.
"I think some device manufacturers at the bottom of the market might pay lip-service and do the bare minimum to make their products secure," he said.
Rocio Concha, director of policy and advocacy at consumer group Which? said the new law would give consumers "vital protections".
But the Office for Product Safety and Standards should be prepared to "take strong enforcement action against manufacturers if they flout the law" he added.
German parents told to destroy 'spy' dolls
Divisive Online Safety rules become law in UK
Musk in China to discuss enabling Full Self Driving
Aga app 'could let hackers turn off oven'
Comments can not be loaded
To load Comments you need to enable JavaScript in your browser
Special school pupils ‘tortured’ in calming rooms
Race to replace Humza Yousaf as Scotland's first minister begins
Security forces killed Iranian teen, evidence suggests
The Papers: 'You've only got Yousaf to blame' and 'Amazing Grace'
When are the local elections and who can vote?
Flatley recalls being warned not to embarrass Irish dancing
Migrants hit by high fees to send money home
Tensions grow as China ramps up mining for green tech
After 20 years, what next for World of Warcraft?
What do student protesters at US universities want?
The rise and fall of a first minister
Who might replace Humza Yousaf as SNP leader?
How does kangaroo care for premature babies work?
The technique was developed in the 1970s in Colombia, but it has now spread around the world
How could Nordic walking boost your health?
Michael Mosley picks up a couple of poles and strides in search of answers
The story of Alex ‘Hurricane’ Higgins in his own words
How the two-time World Snooker Champion helped turn the game into a must-watch sport
A secret code devised by Native Americans
Helena Bonham Carter shines a light on extraordinary stories from World War Two
Powerful, premium US drama
From the pitch to the pod…
Big Zuu explores his Muslim faith
Provocative satire with Michael Spicer
© 2024 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.

source

About The Author

admin

See author's posts