The Mozilla Foundation has released the second installation of *Privacy Not included, the organization’s annual privacy guide to internet-connected gifts. The list was started to promote the idea that privacy and security by design can and should be a major selling point.
Mozilla is the non profit organization behind the popular open source Firefox web browser. It released the guide to educate consumers about privacy and tech, by providing a list of connected devices ranked by privacy and security. The list comes out around the holidays to help consumers give great internet-connectable gifts that don’t compromise privacy and security
“It seems both consumers and companies are starting to see the value in connected products that are safe, secure, and private,” said Mozilla on their blog.
The guide reviews 70 products across six categories organized by Mozilla’s proprietary “Creep-O-Meter,” a vote-based system that allows consumers to rank products on a scale of “Not Creepy” to “Super Creepy” based on privacy settings. Each product also has an individualized report, answering such questions as “Can it spy on me?” “What does it know about me?” “Can I control it?” and “What could happen if something goes wrong?”
The Nintendo Switch, a mobile/home gaming hybrid console, enjoys top spot on the “Not Creepy” list this year. The device boasts encryption, automatic security updates, parental controls, and a policy of deleting user data, among other privacy and security features. Google and Amazon’s smart home appliances were not deemed un-creepy, with Google Home, Amazon Echo, and Amazon Dot all garnering a consumer shudder among those who shared their opinion with Mozilla.
At the very bottom of the “Not Creepy” list? The FREDI Baby Monitor, which has an unprotected camera and microphone, no privacy policy, a default password (it’s “123”), and no automatic security updates.
Read the guide here.
