New UK law on mobile phone, TV and smart doorbell passwords from today

A new UK law coming into effect today will ban devices with weak passwords, placing a legal requirement on manufacturers of mobile phones, TVs and smart doorbells to secure devices against cybercriminals. The law stipulates that all intelligent devices must meet minimum security standards, potentially outlawing basic passwords such as '12345' and 'password'.

These reformations were introduced in an effort to protect consumers from hacking and other forms of cyber-attacks. The revamp of the legislation on Monday was confirmed by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Consumer watchdog Which? expressed its support for the changes, stating it played a significant role in pushing for these new measures. A director of policy and advocacy at Which?, reports Birmingham Live, Rocio Concha, said: "The OPSS [Office for Product Safety and Standards] must provide industry with clear guidance and be prepared to take strong enforcement action against manufacturers if they flout the law, but we also expect smart device brands to do right by their customers from day one and ensure shoppers can easily find information on how long their devices will be supported and make informed purchases."

READ MORE: Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, Morrisons and other drivers warned over new E10 fuel

READ MORE: Boots shoppers who spend £45 on celeb-approved skincare can get £57 worth for free

Science and technology minister Jonathan Berry echoed these sentiments, commenting: "As everyday life becomes increasingly dependent on connected devices, the threats generated by the internet multiply and become even greater. From today, consumers will have greater peace of mind that their smart devices are protected from cybercriminals, as we introduce world-first laws that will make sure their personal privacy, data and finances are safe.

"We are committed to making the UK the safest place in the world to be online and these new regulations mark a significant leap towards a more secure digital world." The laws are taking effect as part of the product security and telecommunications infrastructure (PSTI) regime, which aims to strengthen the UK's resilience against cybercrime.

Get daily headlines and breaking news emailed to you - it’s FREE