NPR

Companies And Users Can Do More To Stay Secure With 'Smart' Devices

None of the top internet and telecom companies passed in the latest Ranking Digital Rights rankings in regard to individuals' privacy standards. But what can they do better and what can we do at home?
The Ranking Digital Rights Corporate Accountability Index looks at companies' public commitments and disclosures about what their policies are affecting users' privacy as well as users' freedom of expression.

These days just about every device is "smart." There are smart cars, phones, TVs, grills and speakers, and most people don't think twice about buying a new TV, hooking it up to the internet and giving it access to different apps.

But all that connectivity means data is being shared and collected by the devices and the apps used.

Earlier this month, Consumer Reports announced a to create standards for consumer privacy and security protections that will later allow them to rate products and services and see how well consumer information is protected.

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR5 min readWorld
Blinken Tells China It's In Their Interest To Stop Helping Russia
NPR's Steve Inskeep speaks with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken following his talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping and top Chinese officials in Beijing.
NPR2 min read
Fossil Fuels Are Banned From Federal Buildings In A New Rule
The Energy Department finalized rules that will ban fossil fuels in new and remodeled federal buildings by 2030.
NPR2 min read
He Was Stranded After A Serious Car Accident. Then An Old White Pickup Pulled Over
After being stranded by a serious car accident, Rick Mangnall was helped by two men in an old white pickup.

Related Books & Audiobooks