Smart TV is becoming the need of homes nowadays. Due to features like internet access, streaming apps and built-in camera and mike, people are using them for entertainment as well as productivity. Like mobile, these TVs also collect personal data to show advertisements. Also, due to continuous connect to the Internet, cyber criminals can also be monitored. They can constantly keep an eye on you through its camera and mike and can also hear what you are talking at home.
TV collects data like this
Many smart TVs have an automatic content request (ACR) feature. Whatever you watch on TV, it does not survive the eyes of this feature. Its job is to track what the user is watching on TV. This feature can prepare an up-to-date profile of the user. If this profile falls in the wrong hands, then there is a risk of hacking to blackmailing etc.
How to rescue?
A few years ago, American intelligence agency FBI issued a warning related to the threat created by smart TV and privacy. The agency had told that TV making companies can hear your conversation and can keep an eye on you through the camera. The agency also suggested some ways of defending this-
- Gather information about your TV features and learn to control them. All the features can be detected by putting TV model number on the Internet.
- Before buying a TV, see if you need a model with mic and camera. If you have already bought a TV, then it is not needed
- Close the microphone and camera etc. by going to the settings.
- If not used, cover the TV camera with black tape.
- Read the privacy policy of TV manufacturer and streaming services carefully. Here you will know which of your data are collecting and store.
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