Germany Bans Children's Smartwatches

A German regulator has banned the sale of smartwatches aimed at children, describing them as spying devices.

According to an expert, the decision could be a "game-changer" for internet-connected devices.

Ken Munro, a security expert at Pen Test Partners, said, "Poorly secured smart devices often allow for privacy invasion. That is really concerning when it comes to kids' GPS tracking watches - the very watches that are supposed to help keep them safe."

"There is a shocking lack of regulation of the 'internet of things', which allows lax manufacturers to sell us dangerously insecure smart products.

"Using privacy regulation to ban such devices is a game-changer, stopping these manufacturers playing fast and loose with our kids' security," he added.

In a statement, the agency said it had already taken action against several firms offering such watches on the internet.

Jochen Homann, president of the Federal Network Agency said "Via an app, parents can use such children's watches to listen unnoticed to the child's environment and they are to be regarded as an unauthorised transmitting system."

"According to our research, parents' watches are also used to listen to teachers in the classroom."

However, an internet-connected doll called, My Friend Cayla, was previously banned for similar reasons.

Source: BBC