Sphero BB-8 Robot
“This is the droid you are looking for,” says the website. Impossible to argue with that. Who doesn't want a little BB-8 droid they can control with their phone via Bluetooth? Or send the little guy out to patrol on his own. It also comes with something called “holographic simulation” which seems very important to help the Resistance. Hopefully there is no Dark Side here.
What could happen if something goes wrong?
Security researchers found it wasn't hard to hack into and take control of Sphero robots. However, if someone did, there's not much they could do except maybe torment your cat.
Can it snoop on me?
Camera
Device: No
App: Yes
Microphone
Device: No
App: Yes
Tracks location
Device: No
App: Yes
What can be used to sign up?
Can’t Determine
Phone
Can’t Determine
Third-party account
Can’t Determine
What data does the company collect?
Personal
Body related
Social
How does the company use this data?
How can you control your data?
What is the company’s known track record of protecting users’ data?
Can this product be used offline?
User-friendly privacy information?
Links to privacy information
Does this product meet our Minimum Security Standards?
Encryption
We reached out to the company to ask if they used encryption in their device, as we did with every company in this guide. Here is their response: “Sphero is not interested in releasing any of these details you have requested.”
Strong password
Security updates
Manages vulnerabilities
Privacy policy
Does the product use AI?
Is this AI untrustworthy?
What kind of decisions does the AI make about you or for you?
Is the company transparent about how the AI works?
Does the user have control over the AI features?
News
Assessment of the Privacy and Security of Smart Toys Marketed to Children
We assessed the privacy and security of six different toys and devices marketed to children. We were able to compromise all of these devices and found critical vulnerabilities that could impact the security or safety of a child in five of these devices
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