Did your tech devices make the worst-for-privacy list?
Mozilla, the folks behind Firefox, has another big project I keep an eye on. Its Privacy Not Included buyer’s guide. The latest way to measure digital privacy is its Annual Consumer Creep-O-Meter.
It takes a hard look at the most popular consumer tech devices and assesses the good, the bad and the downright ugly. Mozilla uses a scale from one to 100, with 100 being the worst.
Overall, Mozilla gives our current state of digital privacy a score of 75.6 out of 100. In Creep-O-Meter terms … That’s “very creepy.” Think of the neighbor who uses doll arms to decorate for Halloween.
The (few) privacy winners
Mozilla’s research team looked at 172 products. These apps and items passed the test:
- Signal app: A messaging app that doesn’t push ads or track your data. Signal relies entirely on user donations to keep it free.
- Sonos SL speakers: The SL speakers don’t have a built-in microphone and are strictly for playing music.
- Wysa chatbot App: Unlike other mental health apps, this one won’t sell your data or make money from your personal info. The privacy policy is refreshingly clear.
- Pocketbook eReader: This eReader company collects technical and usage data to provide recommendations but doesn’t collect any personally identifying information.
- Garmin Fenix watch: This watch is one of the best in terms of handling privacy and security compared to other personal data fitness trackers.
And now for the biggest privacy losers:
- Verizon Gizmo watch: This gadget for kids allows parents to track them through GPS and enter a preset list of contacts. But Mozilla says Verizon isn’t great at protecting user privacy. Proceed with caution.
- BetterHelp app: Mozilla warns that most mental health apps are sketchy, but this one takes the cake. BetterHelp was recently hit with an FTC enforcement action over sharing user info for advertising purposes.
- Amazon Echo Studio speaker: Amazon is notorious for collecting and sharing massive amounts of user data for advertising. Its privacy policy is also a total labyrinth.
- Huawei Kids 4 Pro watch: Mozilla dinged this kids’ smartwatch pretty heavily regarding privacy protection (or lack thereof). Also, Huawei is Chinese-owned.
- Nissan cars: This popular car brand isn’t shy about telling users which data it collects and shares, including sexual activity, health data and genetic information. Enough said.
DIY creep factor
Head to the Mozilla Creep-O-Meter to see if the products in your household help or hurt your digital privacy.
To get started, select which popular products you own from the list. Click See Results for a custom score based on how well (or poorly) your selections protect your personal information.
We tested it by choosing Telegram, the Apple Watch and the Google Nest video doorbell. Crushed it with a “You’re off the grid” rating! Now, all that’s left is to buy that plot of land in the middle of nowhere.
Tags: Apple, Firefox, Mozilla, privacy, security
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