Canadian Smart Lock Maker Settles With FTC Over False Claims, Privacy Policy

Canadian smart lock maker Tapplock settled FTC allegations that it deceived consumers by falsely claiming its connected smart locks were designed to be "unbreakable" and that it took reasonable steps to secure data it collected. The settlement requires Tapplock to implement a comprehensive security program and obtain independent biennial assessments of the program, said the agency Monday. Tapplock said in its advertisements that its Bluetooth fingerprint-enabled connected padlocks were “bold,” “sturdy” and “secure,” said the complaint. The Tapplock app collects personal information including usernames, email addresses, profile photos, and the precise location of users’ smart locks, said the FTC, and the company claimed in its privacy policy it took “reasonable precautions” to secure the data it collected, said the complaint. The FTC alleged that despite what the company conveyed to consumers, its locks weren't secure and Tapplock failed to take reasonable precautions or follow industry best practices to protect the consumer data it collected. The company didn’t comment.