Your Smart TV Knows What You’re Watching – The Markup
themarkup.org
Here’s how to turn off “automated content recognition,” the Shazam-like software on smart TVs that tracks what you’re watching

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.

    • jeanofthedead@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
      3·
      11 months ago

      I really likr the last few firmware updates that my TV received. But apart from checking for updates every few months, I agree that keeping it blocked in my router settings is ideal.

      • pipariturbiini@sopuli.xyz
        2·
        11 months ago

        Doesn’t that kind of beat the purpose? The device can just store telemetric data and send them in batches whenever you connect it.

        • jeanofthedead@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
          2·
          11 months ago

          My Sony runs AndroidTV and uses NextDNS to block telemetry and the like. The features that I received with the last few updates enabled VRR, improved clarity and Dolby Vision, etc. So it was definitely worth it.

    • toastalEnglish
      21·
      11 months ago

      I had read a story once that if I recall correctly, one manufacturer would send the signal back thru the coax cable to the cable box just in case to make sure your data was captured somehow.