The significant development of Smart TV is hugely changing consumers’ online experiences through different features in-house environment. To enjoy these features, consumers provide a variety of data such as their interests in TV programs, videos, products, and services. In today’s article, we are going to throw light on the Smart TV data privacy dilemma and how you can protect your data?(also check, Best VPN for Samsung Smart TV and How to Install Them)
What Is Smart TV Data Privacy Dilemma?
Smart TVs are dealing with the services associated with the plenty of personal data collected and transmitted to the company and third-parties; (for instance, user preferences, viewing practices and transactional choices) that make a television “smart”. For example; if users have access to Smart TV platforms, they are likely to provide personal data such as name, address, date of birth, and sex when they register for specific services. When consumers intend to be offered online personalized services of Smart TVs, they have to agree on sharing their viewing habits and personal interests called as behavioural data with the relevant stakeholders of Smart TVs. These behavioural data are collected using cookies and recommendation engine systems, which has been subject to much debate, regulatory scrutiny and legislative activity in recent years.
Smart TVs Are Over-shadowing Conventional TVs
According to the market research organization, IHS Markit, 82 million smart TVs have already made their way into US homes. These TVs come with the internet connectivity. Sadly, that connectivity comes with some considerably concerning privacy outgrowths. Smart TVs offer users the facility to stream content using favourite apps like Netflix and Hulu. They also allow consumers to search for content quickly using voice commands. The newly released report highlights that it is likely nearly all 82 million of those homes have accepted at least some invasive permissions.
Why Do You need to Be Worried About Smart TV Data Privacy Dilemma?
Just assume you have got yourself a brand new Smart TV, and as it landed; you are excited to turn it on and run the setup. But, what? Didn’t the thought of not being watched and controlled pop in your mind? That’s a sure thing; who wants unnecessary surveillance round the clock? After all, the legality in the US incontrovertibly conditions that users must permit before any data can be accumulated. Wistfully, in practice, those sorts of thoughts turn out to be a fantasy. The CR study shows that people just don’t get the free will to opt out of corporate surveillance if they want an internet-connected experience.
How Can Consumers Protect their Data?
Now when you already have a Smart TV watching you with its freaking bulging eyes round the clock; what are the possible ways to get rid of such privacy breach and not lose the device facilities? In such case, you just need to start it all over again by opting for a factory reset. This will enable you to go through the setup process again, choosing out of ACR and going for the best privacy policy that is available. However, it is possible that you must accept some invasive settings.
If you are a newbie to all this, then I can feel your excitement! But, make sure to opt out of ACR when you are setting up Smart TV for the first time. It’s because it is the most invasive setting and the only other option left for you is to disconnect your Smart TV from the WiFi. But, then you will end up losing internet connection and so the streaming services that lure you to buy you a Smart TV in the first place. At the end of the day, it is your call; because without the internet connectivity, no manufacturer can snoop on you!
Can VPN be of Any Help?
Yes! One way that can help you get rid of Smart TV data privacy dilemma is to use a reliable VPN service. A VPN is an online privacy tool that enables people to hide their IP address (location). Although the TV maker knows who you are, it is still smart to hide your IP address. This will imply that when the TV company markets data-sets you to sponsors, they won’t be attached to your actual IP address. Of course, a VPN for Smart TV also allows you to unblock region-restricted content, which is also a plus point! Also see, 5 Best VPN for Smart TV 2018
Conclusion -Smart TV Data Privacy Dilemma
To your turmoil, we have to leave you with this fact that no such way can completely let you be free of manufacturer’s snooping; But, you can lessen the impact by using a VPN. And on the contrary, you can opt for less invasive devices like Chromecast or Amazon Fire-stick TV; it is because they only monitor the specific things you watch, not everything, unlike Smart TVs!
