Smart Devices, Appliances with Hidden Microphones, Cameras Must Be Disclosed to Consumers

As part of the National Defense Authorization Act, the Senate passed bipartisan consumer protection legislation co-sponsored by Commerce Committee Chair Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Ranking Member Ted Cruz (R-TX) to require pre-purchase disclosures for smart devices and appliances that have built-in microphones or cameras capable of recording or transmitting data. The Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act now heads to the President’s desk. The Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to create new disclosure guidelines for products that have audio or visual recording components, such as refrigerators, washers, dryers and dishwashers that are not clearly obvious. Many consumers don’t realize the growing number of household devices and appliances that include cameras and/or microphones that are capable of recording them and also include Wi-Fi capability to transmit data without their knowledge.