The Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Bill lays out rules to shield consumers from cyber attacks and it covers a host of IoT gear along with mobile phones and intelligent devices.

Media, data and digital infrastructure minister Julia Lopez said the bill will put a firewall around everyday tech from phones and thermostats to dishwashers, baby monitors and doorbells, and see huge fines for those who fall foul of tough new security standards.

Included within the scope of the new bill are a range of devices, from smartphones, routers, security cameras, gaming consoles, smart speakers, and internet-enabled toys.

Easy-to-guess default passwords preloaded on devices will be illegal and each product must have unique passwords, and measures to prevent them from resetting them to factory defaults.

Manufacturers must inform customers whether the product will receive security updates, and patches, and for how long.

The rules also apply to UK businesses that sell cheap products imported from overseas.

The bill also seeks to appoint a regulator to oversee adherence, and the authority to fine non-complying companies up to £10 million or four per cent of their global turnover, as well as up to £20,000 a day for ongoing contraventions.