Observing people’s choices during consumer purchases of technology is always fascinating, and the Boxing Week sales provide an excellent opportunity for this. This year, it was remarkable to witness the high demand for smart TVs, with these sleek devices swiftly disappearing from electronics store shelves.
If you recently snagged a new smart TV as a gift or purchased one during a Boxing Week sale, there might be more to its features than meets the eye, and as parents and caregivers, understanding these nuances is important.
Many top-tier smart TVs utilize a technology called Automatic Content Recognition (ACR), which could be quietly recording your viewing habits. A recent report by The Markup sheds light on the potential risks associated with ACR, as it continuously captures screenshots and identifies content, sending this data to a database for targeted ads.(1) This invisible surveillance raises concerns about privacy, especially in a family setting. As stated in the Markup article:
“ACR identifies what’s displayed on your television, including content served through a cable TV box, streaming service, or game console, by continuously grabbing screenshots and comparing them to a massive database of media and advertisements. Think of it as a Shazam-like service constantly running in the background while your TV is on.
These TVs can capture and identify 7,200 images per hour, or approximately two every second. The data is then used for content recommendations and ad targeting, which is a huge business; advertisers spent an estimated $18.6 billion on smart TV ads in 2022, according to market research firm eMarketer. “
In simpler terms, smart TVs connect directly to the internet, providing access to a large number of online and network-based media content such as YouTube, Amazon Prime, or Netflix. They even offer features like web browsing, gaming, and access to media stored on your computer. Connecting a smart TV to the internet involves using the same router and network your computer uses, with Ethernet offering a stable connection, though Wi-Fi is more convenient in certain setups.
Here’s where it gets challenging – turning off Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) isn’t a straightforward task, and many people are unaware that their TVs come equipped with this technology. To safeguard your family’s privacy, Consumer Reports provides a helpful guide on disabling ACR for most Smart TVs to increase your family’s privacy. (2)
Now, let’s talk about an additional concern – the presence of built-in cameras and microphones in some smart TVs. While most smart TVs don’t have these features, some do, and it’s essential to identify if your new TV falls into this category. Check out this informative article from GetDroidTips to determine if your smart TV has a built-in camera and microphone. (3)
Despite the growing popularity of smart TVs, privacy and security concerns loom large. To address these worries, most smart TVs now come with built-in privacy settings that allow users to control camera and microphone functions. These settings, accessible through the TV’s menu, let you turn off these features entirely or restrict their use to specific apps or functionalities. It’s crucial to understand that enhancing privacy through these settings may limit certain functions, like voice commands. Striking a balance between privacy and convenience is key.
As parents and caregivers navigating today’s onlife world and the smart TV landscape, taking proactive privacy and security steps are becoming more important. Changing default settings and passwords adds an extra layer of security, deterring cybercriminals from attempting remote control of your new smart TV and other home devices. Furthermore, regularly installing software updates from the TV’s manufacturer is a fundamental step to ensure the strongest protection against potential vulnerabilities.
In this ever-evolving onlife world of smart TVs, staying informed and taking control of your devices is crucial for maintaining a balance between convenience and privacy. By understanding the intricacies of these devices, parents can make informed decisions to protect their family’s privacy and security in today’s onlife world.
Digital Food For Thought
The White Hatter
References:
