The ‘Worst in Show’ CES products put your data at risk, privacy advocates say

ABC News - Jan 9th, 2025
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The annual 'Worst in Show' awards at CES 2023 spotlighted tech products with significant issues related to repairability, privacy, and sustainability. Key figures included Kyle Wiens, CEO of iFixit, who criticized the Ultrahuman Rare Luxury Smart Ring for its non-repairable battery design, and Cindy Cohn of the EFF, who raised concerns about Bosch's Revol crib for its excessive data collection. Other notable mentions included TP-Link's Archer BE900 router, deemed the 'least secure,' and Samsung's Bespoke AI Washing Machine, criticized for unnecessary features that inflate cost and complexity. The awards serve as a cautionary tale about the potential downsides of integrating technology into everyday products without considering consumer rights and environmental impact.

These critiques highlight broader industry challenges, such as balancing innovation with sustainability and privacy. With the increasing prevalence of AI and smart devices in consumer products, concerns over data security and environmental impact are growing. The awards emphasize the need for companies to prioritize repairability and privacy to avoid turning convenience into a liability. As these products often come with higher costs and shorter lifespans, consumers are urged to be vigilant about the implications of smart technologies in their homes.

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RATING

5.8
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article provides an engaging overview of some of the controversial and critically assessed technologies showcased at CES. While it successfully highlights various criticisms from industry experts, it suffers from a lack of comprehensive sourcing and transparency. The piece notably excels in clarity, presenting complex concepts in an accessible manner, but could improve in providing a more balanced view by incorporating additional perspectives and verifying claims with authoritative sources.

RATING DETAILS

6
Accuracy

The article presents several claims about the technological flaws and risks associated with products shown at CES, such as the 'least repairable' Ultrahuman Rare Luxury Smart Ring and the 'least secure' TP-Link Archer BE900 router. These claims are supported by experts in their respective fields, like Kyle Wiens and Paul Roberts. However, the article lacks detailed evidence or data to back up these claims beyond expert opinions, such as specific examples of security vulnerabilities or repair difficulties. More factual data or references to studies could strengthen the factual accuracy and verifiability of the content.

5
Balance

The article primarily focuses on the negative aspects of the technologies showcased, as emphasized by the 'Worst in Show' awards. While it includes critiques from various experts, it lacks counterpoints or responses from the companies whose products are criticized. For instance, while the article mentions Bosch's claim about data storage options for their 'Revol' crib, it does not provide any rebuttal or defense from Bosch regarding the privacy concerns raised. Including a more diverse range of perspectives, such as industry insiders or other experts who might see value in these technologies, would offer a more balanced view.

8
Clarity

The article is well-written with a clear, logical structure that guides the reader through the various examples of criticized technology. The language used is accessible, explaining complex technological concepts such as AI and security vulnerabilities in simple terms. It maintains a neutral and professional tone throughout, avoiding overly emotive language. However, the article could benefit from clearer definitions of certain technical terms for a lay audience, such as 'surveillance technology' or 'least repairable,' to ensure full comprehension. Overall, the clarity is strong, with minor areas for improvement.

6
Source quality

The article cites several credible individuals and organizations, such as iFixit, the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), and Consumer Reports. These are well-regarded entities within the tech and consumer advocacy fields, lending some credibility to the assessments shared. However, the article does not reference any external studies, reports, or data that would provide a stronger foundation for the claims made. The reliance on expert opinion without corroborating evidence from diverse sources weakens the overall source quality. Including more empirical data or independent research would improve the article's reliability.

4
Transparency

The article provides little information about the methodologies used to determine the 'Worst in Show' awards, nor does it disclose any potential conflicts of interest from the experts quoted. For instance, it's unclear how the panel of 'self-described dystopia experts' was formed or what criteria were used for judging the products. Additionally, there is no mention of any affiliations or financial interests that the experts might have, which could affect their impartiality. Greater transparency in these areas would enhance the credibility and trustworthiness of the article.