Is Your Vibrator Spying on You?
As we increasingly rely on apps to control our gadgets, concerns about data privacy are growing. This is particularly true for sex toys, which are now connected to apps that can collect highly sensitive data.
According to Ray Walsh, a digital privacy expert at Comparitech, app-connected sex toys could be collecting data on sexual behavior, usage frequency, intensity settings, partner connections, location data, and IP addresses.
What’s Being Collected?
Sexual behavior data, for instance, includes information on which toy you’re using, how you’re using it, and which functions you’re using. If the toy has an app that enables you to connect with another partner for long-distance play, then the app could also collect data from whoever you’re using it with.
Companies may claim they’re collecting data to improve their products, but it can also be sold to data brokers, who can then sell it to advertisers, the government, or private investigators.
Protecting Your Privacy
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your privacy. You can decline when the “Learn from this app” pop-up appears on iPhones, and look for language in the app’s privacy information that states the app may collect data linked to your identity.
Some brands, like Svakom and We-Vibe, offer guest options that allow users to access the app’s functions without creating an account or sharing personal data.
What to Look For
When downloading a sex toy app, look for language that explicitly states the app’s data collection policies. You can also opt out of data collection before continuing into the app.
By being aware of these issues and taking steps to protect your privacy, you can enjoy your sex toys while maintaining control over your personal data.
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