Smart TVs Harvest Audio and Viewing Data Across HDMI Inputs as LG, Roku, Samsung Face Privacy Scrutiny
Updated
Updated · CNET · Sep 19
Smart TVs Harvest Audio and Viewing Data Across HDMI Inputs as LG, Roku, Samsung Face Privacy Scrutiny
2 articles · Updated · CNET · Sep 19
Summary
Automatic content recognition lets smart TVs identify what users watch from built-in apps, over-the-air broadcasts and HDMI devices, extending tracking well beyond a single LG model.
Microphones on voice-enabled sets are typically always listening for wake words, while LG says voice features are opt-in by default; researchers argued hacked TVs could still be turned into surveillance tools.
LG’s setup can pair onboard microphones with ACR snippets for audience analysis and, with additional consent, personalized advertising—an approach the report says is common across Roku, Samsung and other brands.
Disabling ad, tracking and voice settings can reduce collection, but the report says users cannot fully avoid monitoring because streamers, apps, phones, browsers and internet providers also gather data.