Is Your Smart TV Tracking You? Here’s What You Need To Do

Are you worried that your smart TV might be spying on you? You are not alone. With advanced technology, TVs can track what you watch and share data with advertisers. Here is what you need to know to safeguard your privacy and stop your smart TV from collecting too much information.

Turn Off ACR (Automatic Content Recognition)

ACR technology is how your TV recognizes what you are watching and shares this data with manufacturers and advertisers. The steps to turn it off vary depending on the brand of your TV, but generally, you will need to look into the settings menu under terms and policies or privacy settings to find and disable it​​.

Regular Software Updates

Updating your TV’s software enhances the performance and introduces new features, making the update process doubly beneficial. Manufacturers like Samsung and LG often notify users when an update is available, so keeping an eye out for such notifications can keep your TV secure and up-to-date​​​.

Limit Internet Access on Your TV

By using a dedicated streaming device, you control the software updates and privacy settings more tightly than with a smart TV’s native system, which often lacks frequent security updates. This way, even if your TV is compromised, the damage might be limited to the streaming device, which is easier to reset or replace.

Review and Adjust Privacy Settings

This step might also involve customizing ad tracking preferences to minimize how much advertisers know about your viewing habits. On platforms like Roku, you can even manage personalized ad settings online, giving you control over how your data is used without having to navigate through TV menus​​.

Cover Cameras and Microphones

If your smart TV has a camera or microphone, and you do not use these features, consider physically covering the camera and disabling the microphone in the settings. A simple piece of opaque tape can be effective for cameras. For microphones, ensure they are turned off if you are not using them to prevent them from picking up background conversations​.

Read the Terms and Conditions Carefully

When you first set up your smart TV or when updates are installed, you often need to agree to new terms and conditions. Take the time to read these, which sometimes include clauses that let your TV collect and share your data. Knowing what you’re agreeing to can help you make more informed decisions about your privacy settings​​.

Use Secure Network Connections

Make sure your home network is secure. This includes using a strong password for your Wi-Fi network and considering additional protections like a VPN or enhanced security via your router’s settings. A secure network can prevent external parties from accessing your devices, including your smart TV​​.

Opt-Out of Personalized Advertising

Many smart TVs and streaming accounts allow you to opt out of personalized ads. Doing so can significantly reduce the amount of data collected about you. For instance, on platforms like Roku and Samsung, users can navigate to specific sections in their accounts to manage privacy settings related to advertising and data sharing.

Disable Data Monitoring Services

If your TV offers a service to monitor or collect data, you usually have the option to turn this off. This might be listed under settings like “Viewing Information,” “Interest-Based Ads,” or similar. Turning these services off can also improve the speed of your smart TV, as it reduces the amount of processing power dedicated to tracking and analyzing your usage data.

Educate Yourself on Your TV’s Capabilities

Know what your TV is capable of. Does it have a camera or a microphone? What kind of personal data does it collect? Being informed about your device’s capabilities lets you better manage its settings and understand potential privacy implications. For example, if you never use voice commands, turning off the microphone can help secure your TV from potential eavesdropping​.

Check the Manufacturer’s Privacy Policy

Stay updated with your smart TV manufacturer’s privacy policy. They sometimes change, and these changes can affect how your data is managed. Keeping an eye on these policies helps you stay informed of any changes that might affect how your personal information is handled, ensuring that you can take timely actions if your data privacy is at risk​ ​​.

Use a Dedicated Streaming Device

Instead of relying on your smart TV’s built-in apps, consider using a dedicated streaming device like Roku, Apple TV, or Amazon Fire Stick. This also allows for a more customized viewing experience. For instance, streaming devices often offer a wider range of apps and services than what is available through a smart TV’s operating system.​

Turn Off Location Services

Some smart TVs have location tracking enabled, which can be used to target local ads or content. You can turn off this feature in your TV’s settings to keep your location private and avoid localized advertising​​ , adding another layer of privacy to your daily use.

Be Cautious with Third-party Apps

Be selective about what apps you download and keep on your smart TV. Only install applications from trusted developers and review what data they collect before downloading. Regular audits of installed apps can prevent data breaches since outdated or rarely updated apps are often less secure and more vulnerable to hacking.

Secure Other Devices Connected to Your TV

Ensure that all devices connected to your smart TV, like smartphones or tablets, are also secure. Use strong passwords, keep them updated, and monitor their connection settings. This includes making sure all devices use encryption for data transmissions and ensuring that any apps or services connected through your TV also follow strict privacy standards​​.