Every device you have that has an app is harvesting ypur data to varying extents.

Sony’s trick is hiding some configuration options in its app so you have to install it to make changes.

It the app that is phoning home, not the actual device.

ORLY???

Wired chads just keep winning, in so many ways.

Jesus Christ, is anything safe anymore? I’m about to break out my Discman and start burning CDs.

The privacy issues come from the app, not the headphones. Don’t use the app and you’re fine.

General privacy rules apply: any data you provide will be stored and sold. If you tell an app your height, weight, etc, the company will sell that. That shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone.

The only interesting bit here is Bluetooth tracking, meaning people can see a unique identifier by being near a Bluetooth device. This is true for all Bluetooth devices (and honestly any wireless protocol besides point to point wireless), so not unique to headphones. If your phone connects to cell towers, your headphones aren’t going to be the ones breaking your cover…