New Law Mandates Clear Warnings on Smart Devices with Hidden Cameras or Mics Before You Buy

If you’ve ever bought a new smart speaker, appliance, or toy only to discover later it had a microphone or camera you didn’t know about, this bill is for you. The Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act requires manufacturers of internet-connected consumer products—called “covered devices”—to clearly and conspicuously disclose the presence of any built-in camera or recording capability before the point of sale (Sec. 2). Essentially, if that smart toaster or digital photo frame can see or hear you and connect to the web, the company has to tell you upfront, not bury it in the fine print.

Who’s Covered, and Who Isn’t

This law is laser-focused on those sneaky gadgets that might surprise you. A “covered device” is any consumer product that connects to the internet and contains an integrated camera or microphone (Sec. 4). However, the bill makes some important carve-outs. It specifically excludes devices where you already expect those features, like your smartphone, laptop, tablet, or anything clearly marketed as a camera or standalone microphone (Sec. 4). The idea is to stop the surprise factor when surveillance capabilities are added to unexpected items, like a smart thermostat or a child’s toy.

The FTC Gets the Whistle

To ensure manufacturers actually comply, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is put in charge of enforcement (Sec. 3). If a company fails to make the required disclosure, the FTC will treat that failure exactly like an unfair or deceptive business practice under existing law, giving them the full toolkit of enforcement powers (Sec. 3). This is important because it means the FTC doesn't have to build a new legal framework; they can use their established authority to fine or sue non-compliant companies.

The Implementation Timeline

This isn't happening overnight. The FTC has 180 days after the bill becomes law to issue detailed guidance to manufacturers, explaining exactly how to make these disclosures clear, conspicuous, and age-appropriate—even suggesting the best ways to use visual aids (Sec. 3). The new disclosure requirements won't actually kick in until 180 days after the FTC issues that guidance (Sec. 5). This staggered approach provides manufacturers with a clear transition period, giving them time to redesign packaging and update their sales materials to meet the new federal standard.

The Real-World Impact on Your Wallet and Privacy

For the average person juggling work and family, this bill is a win for transparency. If you’re shopping for a new smart appliance, you won't have to hunt through spec sheets or online forums to figure out if it's listening to your conversations or recording your living room. The disclosure has to be right there, before you hand over your credit card. While manufacturers will face new compliance costs—they have to change their processes and packaging—the benefit is a clearer marketplace where consumers can make informed decisions about the technology they bring into their homes. This law cuts through the fine print and ensures that when you choose a device, you know exactly what kind of electronic eyes and ears you’re inviting in.