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No evidence in the available sources shows that Google makes a toaster or has learned your particular toasting habits. The title’s toaster is an example in a UK privacy warning about connected devices—not proof of toaster data collection. Here is what the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) actually found, what Google says about its connected-home products, and how to check a device before sharing data with it.

What the ICO’s toaster survey actually found

On 11 June 2026, the ICO published findings from a survey of 2,080 UK adults conducted from 15 to 18 May 2026. The sample was designed to represent the UK population. The survey measured respondents’ understanding, expectations and attitudes; it did not establish what any particular device collects.

The ICO reported that 75% of respondents would be surprised to learn that a smart toaster gathered personal data, and 74% would be surprised by the same claim about a smart toothbrush. Those figures describe expectations, not verified toaster or toothbrush behavior. The announcement does not identify a surveyed toaster or say that Google collects toaster-use data. Read the ICO announcement.

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The broader results show a gap between ownership and understanding: 97% said they owned at least one smart device, but only 14% said they clearly understood how such devices collect and use personal data. Views on the trade-off were mixed: 43% said they were willing to buy smart devices for benefits driven by personal data, such as personalised features or automated routines; 42% reported data concerns when buying; and 15% said they actively avoided the technology for that reason. These are UK survey responses, not measurements of device behavior or views in other countries.

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What Google says its connected-home products may save

Google’s explanation for its connected-home devices and services lists several possible categories of saved information: setup information, sensor data, audio and video data, device-usage data, technical data and service information. Examples include settings and interactions, sensor readings, device identifiers and connectivity details, and information about services used. Google says collection and use vary by product, service and configuration. Google’s connected-home data explanation is a company description of its products and policies, not evidence about a toaster.

Google also describes restrictions on advertising use for some data from certain Nest devices. Its examples include direct interactions with specified devices that historically used a Nest account, when those interactions do not use a Google service such as Assistant. The details are product- and configuration-specific; check Google’s current explanation and the settings for the device you own rather than assuming one rule applies to every Nest product.

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How to check a smart device before using it

The ICO’s practical advice is to make privacy and security checks part of buying, setup and disposal—not just a response to a worrying headline. Its consumer steps are:

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  1. Before buying, research what data the device collects. Look for the manufacturer’s privacy information and check whether the described collection makes sense for the device’s features.
  2. Review permissions during setup. Allow only permissions that seem reasonable for the function you want; decline those that do not.
  3. Secure the account. Use a strong, unique password and turn on two-step verification where available.
  4. Install software updates regularly. Updates can address security issues as well as maintain device software.
  5. Factory-reset the device before selling or disposing of it. This helps remove your account and personal settings from the device.

The ICO’s advice appears in its consumer announcement. The source does not prescribe a single settings path that works across manufacturers, so use the device’s own setup and support instructions to find its controls.

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What to compare across connected devices

If you are choosing between devices, the useful comparison is not whether one is labelled “smart.” Check the data and controls that matter for the functions you intend to use:

  • Data collected: Which information is necessary for the device’s core function, and what additional data is described?
  • Permissions: Do the requested access and permissions fit the features you plan to use?
  • Clarity and control: Does the provider explain how information is used, and can you manage relevant settings?
  • Updates: Does the provider explain how the device receives software updates?

The ICO says its finalised guidance for smart-device manufacturers and developers calls for necessary data collection, clear explanations of use and meaningful user control. That is the regulator’s summary of its guidance. Its June 2026 announcement also said it planned to engage with connected-TV manufacturers during 2026; that statement describes a plan, not a confirmed outcome. The announcement noted that connected TVs were found in 70% of UK households, a figure about TVs—not toasters.

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  • BREAD TYPES AND BROWNING LEVELS: Choose from 5 bread types and 6 browning level options, and toggle defrost and reheat functions each with pre-programmed countdown times for precise toasting.
  • FAVORITE FUNCTION: Save your go-to bread type and browning level to instantly start toasting, saving you time and energy when starting your morning routine leading you into a productive day.
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  • SMOOTH MOTION LEVER: Simply press down the smooth motion lever to lower your bread into the toaster. Push CANCEL to automatically stop and raise your toast.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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