Samsung Electronics robot vacuum cleaner ‘Bespoke AI Steam’ image./Courtesy of Samsung Electronics

Samsung Electronics announced that its robot vacuum 'Bespoke AI Steam' on the 19th became the first robot vacuum to obtain the 'Privacy by Design (PbD)' certification, conducted by the Personal Information Protection Commission and the Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA).

PbD is a design concept that considers personal information protection elements in all processes of planning, manufacturing, and disposing of products or services to prevent personal information infringements in advance.

The Personal Information Protection Commission and KISA have expanded the pilot certification target this year to four types of smart appliances closely related to public life, such as robot vacuums equipped with cameras, following the PbD certification granted to home security cameras (CCTV) last year to enhance the safety of personal information collection devices.

The certification criteria consist of 71 inspection items across four areas: 14 basic requirements related to personal information processing and protection, including personal information identification and purpose, personal information processing flow, and prevention of unnecessary personal information transmission; legality of personal information processing (28 items); enhancement of information security and privacy (22 items); and organizational protective measures (7 items).

The 'Bespoke AI Steam' from Samsung Electronics, which has obtained the PbD certification, is the first robot vacuum in Korea to feature a water-wipe steam sterilization function and protects sensitive personal information using Samsung's security solution, Samsung Knox.

In particular, it has applied 'end-to-end encryption' technology that encrypts all user data, including images and videos taken through the product, within the device, ensuring that even if the server is attacked or the user account is compromised, personal information cannot be utilized.

Moon Jong-seung, vice president of Samsung Electronics' Digital Appliance Division, said, 'The Bespoke AI Steam is a product that strongly protects users' personal information through Samsung's unique security solution, Samsung Knox,' and noted, 'We will continue to prioritize personal information protection to ensure consumers can use Samsung AI appliances with greater peace of mind and will strengthen security measures.'