Yes, your smart TV is spying on you - Here's how to stop it
Smart TVs are big money savers compared to other tech on the market. They include built-in apps that can save you from buying streaming devices like a Roku or Fire TV Stick.
As with any smart technology, there’s a price to be paid for the convenience. In return for an always-connected experience, smart TVs collect data on users — a lot of it. Tap or click here to listen to Kim’s Daily Tech Update about the smart TV dilemma.
You won’t believe how your smart TV is not just gobbling up your viewing data. In some cases, it’s also gathering information about your home. This guide will walk you through how to opt out of this data collection so you can return to binging your favorite shows in peace.
Turn off your smart TV’s tracking features
Can you minimize your smart TV’s snooping activities? Yes. Our advice: Turn off its tracking features — especially Automatic Content Recognition (ACR).
What is ACR, and how do you turn it off? It’s a visual recognition feature that can identify every ad, TV show or movie you’re playing on your TV. This includes streaming boxes, cable/over-the-air TV and even DVD and Blu-Ray players.
RELATED: 5 things you didn’t know your smart TV could do
This data is collected and can be used for marketing and targeted advertising purposes. If this sounds too creepy, there are ways to turn it off. The exact methods will depend on your TV’s brand.
Vizio
You can turn off your set’s ACR features if you own a Vizio smart TV. Here’s how:
On older Vizio TV sets that use Vizio Internet Apps (VIA), go to the TV’s System and then: Reset & Admin > Smart Interactivity > Off.
On Vizio smart TVs that use the newer SmartCast system, go to System > Reset & Admin > Viewing Data > toggle it to Off.
Creepy: Ads might be playing on your TV - even when it’s off
We’re constantly bombarded with ads. Just look at your phone, your computer and even your streaming devices.
The good news? There’s a lot you can do to limit what info you share with advertisers. Tap or click here to shut down targeted ads on your smartphone.
Why you might start seeing ads over what you're watching on Roku
At this point, seeing targeted ads on sites like Facebook is no surprise. The good news is you don’t have to live with them. Tap or click here for ways to stop ad tracking on Facebook.
But the last place you’d expect to see targeted ads is through your television. If you have a Roku TV, don’t be shocked when ads start popping up while you’re streaming your favorite show.