ForbrukerRadet: 2017 Children's Smart Watch Market Research Report

199IT original compilation

The Norwegian Consumer Association investigated four children's smart watches: Gator 2, Tinitell, Viksfjord and Xplora, and released a survey report.

Critical security vulnerabilities

The tests conducted by Mnemonic found three critical security vulnerabilities, including in apps and devices. Two children's smartwatches allowed potential attackers to control apps, access children's real-time and historical locations, and other personal privacy, and even contact children directly without their parents knowing. In addition, some devices also transmitted children's personal data to servers in North America and East Asia without any encryption. Another watch could be used as a listening device.

False sense of security

The investigation also found that advertised safety enhancements such as SOS buttons were not reliable, meaning these children's smartwatches may provide a false sense of security. This is particularly disturbing for parents who buy children's smartwatches for safety reasons.

Lack of respect for consumer rights

Inadequate and unclear user terms deny consumers basic rights, such as the right to privacy. The investigation found that only one service asked for consent when collecting data, no children's smartwatch promised to inform when the terms were changed, and it was impossible to delete user accounts from the service. At least one app on Xplora allowed children's personal data to be used for marketing purposes. The other three watches did not clearly explain how children's information was used.

Chaotic market

There are many smartwatch products for children in the international market, and cheap Chinese products are imported and repackaged by local retailers. Overall, the children's smartwatch market is mixed, with many serious problems. Consumers need to think twice before buying.

The Norwegian Consumer Association's survey shows that consumers face new problems in the connected world and product safety regulations need to apply to every electronic component.

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