Just putting this out there for everyone. The more I get into network security the more I find these "IoT" and connected devices so cringe worthy. The cheaper the more cringe worthy. Think about how often even our phones need to be patched.

Avoiding China for electronics is impossible but stick to big name brands because overall I have to believe they are keeping the bad actors out to some degree. I have rallied against devices and software made in China by Chinese owned companies for years at this point to anyone who will listen. LG, Lenovo, Visio, TCL, Hisense, DJI, TikTok, Huawei and others. Some US brands have been bought by China over the years as well. GE Appliances (Owned by Haier) and Motorola Mobility come to mind. That said I do own some things (like a smart LG Drier bought during COVID), but NO I do not have it connected to anything. The whole idea of connecting appliances to me is so foreign. It could be handy but at what expense?

The Chinese government is an adversary. They treat us that way. Regardless if nothing else, there is a mentality in China that the ends justify the means. They think the west is wrong to be such stringent rule followers. That also explains a lot.