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Smart TV is spying on you! Know how and what to rescue
Samira Vishwas | July 1, 2025 7:24 PM CST

In today’s smart era, where everything is being connected to the Internet, our privacy has become the biggest threat.
If you feel that only your phone keeps an eye on your activity, then think once again!
Now your smart TV is also quietly spying on you.

🔍 How does your TV tracking?
Almost every smart TV contains a technology called ACR – Automatic Content Recognition.
This feature knows what you are watching on TV, how long you are watching, and on which platform.

Whether you are running YouTube, Netflix’s web series or any movie – ACR keeps a record of everything and sends this data to the TV company or third party companies.
It is used to show targeted ads and personalized content.

Why is this dangerous?
TV is used by the whole family – from children to the elderly

In such a situation, the ads shown based on your viewing data cannot be appropriate for all.

Your likes, dislikes, locations and TV usage habits reach companies without telling them

🔒 How to protect yourself from smart TV espionage?
📌 Close these options immediately by going to settings:
ACR (Automatic Content Recognition) – Off off

Viewing Data / Viewing Information Sharing – Disable

Interest-Based Ads / Ad Personalization-Close

Voice Recognition – If there is no need, keep off

Location Access – Always Off

Analytics & Usage Data Sharing – Disable

🛠 Where will the settings be found?
Go to TV Settings> Privacy / General / Legal / Terms & Conditions

There you will get settings to ACR or data sharing

Names may be slightly different in every brand, but the target is the same – collecting your information

🧠 Talking in mind
Read every permission and pop-up carefully while setup

Check the settings once every month – has any updated new tracking on?

See also Privacy Settings of OTT platforms like Netflix, Prime Video

Melt fat with cranberry juice, they too remain hungry


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