Recommendation 18

The OPSS estimated that 15% of products bought for the home now include ‘smart’ technology. Products that are connected to the internet create new product safety risks, such as cyber-security risks in the example of a baby monitor which could be subject to hacking. The Department and OPSS recognised such risks, but also noted the opportunities presented by technology to make products safer. In particular, the OPSS described the potential of ‘smart’ technology to identify and alert consumers to product faults, prompt recalls or use updates to increase safety features. The Department and the OPSS recently consulted on a review of the product safety regime. The Department told us that it is considering how to better regulate products with a mix of hardware and software as part of this review.34 Regulatory capacity and skills