Smart TVs collect user data, but some tracking can be disabled
UKPulse Consumer Desk
Smart TVs gather user data, including viewing habits and voice searches, which can be used by brands and advertisers. While not all data collection can be stopped, many aspects can be turned off through TV settings.
- Smart TVs create user profiles based on viewing habits, voice searches, and usage behaviour.
- Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) takes snapshots of on-screen content and audio to build user profiles.
- Settings on various TV brands, including LG, Samsung, Sony, and Hisense, allow users to disable some data collection features.
Smart televisions are actively collecting data on users, including preferred channels, shows, and voice or text searches. This information is used to create user profiles that are valuable to advertisers seeking to target consumers with relevant ads and recommendations.
Data collection methods include Automatic Content Recognition (ACR), which identifies on-screen content and audio, and voice searches made through TV microphones. While some TVs have microphones activated by a button, others feature always-on embedded microphones.
Although not every aspect of data collection can be disabled, many can be turned off. Instructions are available for various brands, including LG, Samsung, Sony, Hisense, TCL, and Panasonic, to disable features such as ACR, ad-tracking, and voice recognition.
What this means for you: You can adjust settings on your smart TV to disable certain data collection features, such as Automatic Content Recognition, ad-tracking, and voice recognition, depending on your TV brand.