There are ways to protect yourself from your spying TV

Live updates

1. 1d ago

   Google dismantles Android TV botnet linked to Videostrong devices

   Google has shut down a botnet consisting of 1.3 million Android TV boxes. The devices were allegedly shipped by Chinese manufacturer Videostrong with preloaded malware designed to hijack internet connections for cybercrime and proxy services. This action could potentially disrupt over 10 million additional infected devices. Users can mitigate general TV surveillance by disabling Automatic Content Recognition and voice data collection, or by using external hardware to convert smart TVs into basic units. Some hardware logs may require a factory reset to clear completely.

   Why it matters

   Smart TVs often track viewing habits and listen to conversations through built-in software. While users can disable these features, hardware-level vulnerabilities or preinstalled malware can bypass user settings. This botnet illustrates how device manufacturers can compromise security at the factory level.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Chinese manufacturer Videostrong allegedly shipped devices preloaded with malware to hijack internet connections for proxy services and cybercrime.
   • The Google takedown could disrupt more than 10m additional infected devices.

   What to watch next

   • Confirmation of the total number of affected Videostrong devices.
   • Official statements from Videostrong regarding the preloaded malware allegations.
   Sources used for this update (6)

   1. jen.jiji.com — Saudi Arabia, the first ultra-luxury train debuts: prices from 20 thousand euros per couple
   2. www.metacurity.com — Google dismantles 1.3 million-device botnet built into Android TV boxes - Metacurity
   3. jen.jiji.com — Stefani: "For new Padua hospital, tender award in 2028"
   4. www.cyberghostvpn.com — How to Tell if Your Phone Camera Has Been Hacked
   5. www.eyeforfilm.co.uk — Anger mismanagement
   6. www.howtogeek.com — Using AI to stop your smart TV spying on you can be risky ...
   confidence 70%
2. 3d ago

   Smart TVs Can Spy on Users, But There Are Ways to Protect Yourself

   Smart TVs can track users' viewing habits and even listen to conversations. Disabling voice data collection and Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) can reduce surveillance. Some manufacturers like LG require a factory reset to clear hardware-level logs. Users can also disable all smart features to create a 'dumb TV' and use external hardware for functionality.

   Why it matters

   The issue of smart TV surveillance has raised concerns about user privacy. Many smart TVs have features that allow them to track users' viewing habits and even listen to conversations. This has led to calls for greater transparency and control over data collection.

   What is confirmed

   • Disabling voice data collection and Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) can reduce smart TV surveillance.
   • LG requires a factory reset to clear hardware-level logs.
   • Users can disable all smart features to create a 'dumb TV' and use external hardware for functionality.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Some smart TVs may be listening to conversations even when the screen is powered off.

   What to watch next

   • Further updates from manufacturers on data collection and user control
   • Regulatory actions on smart TV surveillance
   • Development of new tools to block smart TV tracking
   Sources used for this update (21)

   1. www.techradar.com — TechRadar | the technology experts
   2. www.yahoo.com — Yahoo
   3. help.naver.com — Futures Flat As Oil Rebounds After Trump's "Energy Ceasefire" Unravels, Memory Stocks Slide | ZeroHedge
   4. www.theverge.com — Here’s Nintendo’s overview trailer for the Ocarina of Time remake.
   5. beforeitsnews.com — Byington Bombshell Report:"Doctors, Big Pharma Poisoning You For Profit, Millions Have Died From Vax" Dr. Tenpenny | Politics | Be....
   6. www.cbr.com — Star Wars Meets Marvel's Superheroes in Marvel's Official January 2027 Solicitations - CBR
   7. www.pcmag.com — You Don’t Need AI to Dumb Down Your Smart TV. Do This Instead
   8. www.shortlist.com — The best action movies of the 1980s | Shortlist
   9. www.clickondetroit.com — How the death of two CIA agents in northern Mexico led to a treason case - WDIV Local 4,ClickOnDetroit
   10. www.reckontalk.com — Smart TV Tracking: How to Stop Displays Spying on You
   11. soyjakwiki.org — Operations security - Soyjak Wiki
   12. brewminate.com — Gender in America: A History of How It Has Been Shaped by the Lives of Everyday Americans - Brewminate
   confidence 85%
3. 15d ago

   Strategies to Limit Smart TV Data Tracking

   Users can reduce smart TV surveillance by disabling voice data collection and Automatic Content Recognition (ACR). Some manufacturers, such as LG, require a factory reset to clear hardware-level logs. For complete privacy, users can disable all smart features to create a "dumb TV" and use external hardware like a Raspberry Pi for functionality. These steps address risks where devices may track activity or listen to users even when the screen is powered off.

   Why it matters

   Smart TVs often collect viewing habits and audio data for manufacturer or third-party use. This creates a persistent privacy risk in the home environment. Users must manually opt out of these features to regain control over their personal data.

   What is confirmed

   • Disabling Automatic Content Recognition and voice data collection stops smart TVs from tracking viewing habits.
   • LG requires a factory reset to remove hardware-level logs.
   • Users can remove smart features and use a Raspberry Pi to create a dumb TV.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Google and ACR track user activity on certain devices.
   • Some TVs may listen to users while the screen is off.

   What to watch next

   • Updates on manufacturer privacy policy changes regarding ACR
   • New hardware-level log removal requirements for other TV brands
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. www.buzzfeed.com — Joe Manganiello Recalls Sofía Vergara Marriage Breakdown In New Book
   2. jen.jiji.com — City of Turin and Dove Self-Esteem Project, together for conscious digital use (3)
   3. jen.jiji.com — Milan, Sala: "Now control and repression, not against the arrival of 500 soldiers. Concern for Saturday, anarchists are feared"
   4. www.penguin.com.au — More than a third of Australia's favourite books are published by Penguin Random House
   5. news.inbox.eu — 7 sacrifices of large families for the sake of family - News feed at
   confidence 100%
4. 18d ago

   How to Disable Smart TV Tracking and Privacy Spying

   Users can stop smart TVs from tracking viewing habits by disabling Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) and voice data collection. Some manufacturers, including LG, require a factory reset to remove hardware-level logs. To fully eliminate privacy risks, users can remove smart features to create a "dumb TV" and use external hardware like a Raspberry Pi for functionality. Recent reports highlight that Google and ACR both track user activity on certain devices, and some TVs may listen to users even when the screen is off.

   Why it matters

   Smart TV manufacturers use ACR to monitor what users watch for advertising purposes. This data collection often occurs without explicit permission and can persist across different settings. Protecting privacy requires a combination of software adjustments and hardware changes.

   What is confirmed

   • Users can protect privacy by disabling Automatic Content Recognition and voice data collection.
   • LG requires a factory reset to clear hardware-level logs.
   • Converting a smart TV into a dumb TV by removing smart features and using a Raspberry Pi eliminates privacy risks.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Automatic content recognition is spying on users.

   What to watch next

   • Evidence of specific data points collected by Google via smart TVs
   • Updated manufacturer privacy policies regarding ACR in late 2026
   • New hardware-level bypasses for smart TV tracking
   Sources used for this update (30)

   1. www.bbc.com — BBC Home - Breaking News, World News, US News, Sports, Business...
   2. www.pcmag.com — The 140 Best Prime Day Tech Deals From Apple, Dell, HP, Samsung, Sony, and More
   3. uk.pcmag.com — Amazon's October Prime Day Sale Is Live: 153+ Expert-Vetted Deals on Our Favorite Tech From Apple, Bose, Sony, and More
   4. uk.pcmag.com — Last Chance to Save: 155 Expert-Vetted Prime Day Tech Deals Still on Sale
   5. tech.yahoo.com — Your smart TV might be listening even with the screen off ...
   6. www.esquire.com — Glen Powell on 'The Comeback King,' 'The Great Beyond,' Girlfriend Michelle Randolph, His Parents, and Wh....
   7. inews.co.uk — I was on a Navy destroyer training for attacks – then a Russian warship appeared
   8. www.atlantanewsfirst.com — Read the full transcript from the U.S. Senate debate between Jon Ossoff, Mike Collins - WANF ,Atlanta New....
   9. weareultraviolet.org — Take Action - Ultraviolet
   10. www.news4jax.com — Who’s afraid of a 6-hour documentary about exiled Russian journalists? - News4JAX ,WJXT Channel 4
   11. www.popsci.com — How to tell if someone is wearing smart glasses near you | Popular Science
   12. www.cnet.com — Tor Over VPN Servers Can Boost Your Privacy, but Beware These Drawbacks
   confidence 80%
5. 30d ago

   Smart TV Privacy Controls Include ACR and Voice Data Disablement

   Users can protect their privacy by disabling Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) and voice data collection settings across major smart TV brands. While disabling ACR prevents devices from tracking viewing habits for advertisers, some brands like LG require a factory reset to clear hardware-level logs. Other options include converting smart TVs into dumb TVs by removing smart features and using external hardware like a Raspberry Pi to maintain functionality without the privacy risks. Updated 2026 guides provide specific instructions for these settings across all major manufacturers.

   Why it matters

   Smart TVs often collect granular user data to sell to third-party advertisers. This data collection happens through integrated software that monitors both visual content and audio inputs.

   What is confirmed

   • Smart TV owners can stop devices from tracking viewing habits by disabling Automatic Content Recognition.
   • LG users must perform a factory reset to clear persistent hardware-level data logs.
   • Samsung, Sony, Vizio, TCL, Hisense, Roku, and Fire TV offer ACR disablement options.
   • Users can use a Raspberry Pi to maintain TV functionality after removing smart features.

   What to watch next

   • Release of brand-specific step-by-step instructions for 2026 voice data settings
   • Evidence of hardware-level data persistence in brands other than LG
   Sources used for this update (7)

   1. itwire.com — 70th IT Press Tour: Cohesity let Mythos loose on its own code, and now wants your backups to feed your agents – a feature length special report
   2. www.pcmag.com — Your Internet Provider Is Secretly Tracking Everything You Do at Home. Here's How to Stop It
   3. www.cyberghostvpn.com — Types of Identity Theft: 13 Common Red Flags and How to Protect Yourself - CyberGhost VPN
   4. tech.yahoo.com — Stop Being Safe: Why You Should Infect Your PC With Malware Today
   5. reutersinstitute.politics.ox.ac.uk — As Serbia heads to the polls, independent media faces the fiercest pressure in decades
   6. www.automatetv.com — Smart TV Privacy Settings to Disable Right Now: The 2026 ...
   7. keepnetlabs.com — What Is Cyber Espionage? Targets and Defense - Keepnet
   confidence 90%
6. 32d ago

   Users can disable smart TV tracking through ACR settings and hardware resets

   Smart TV owners can stop their devices from tracking viewing habits and selling data to advertisers by disabling Automatic Content Recognition (ACR). While LG users must perform a factory reset to clear persistent hardware-level data logs, other brands including Samsung, Sony, Vizio, TCL, Hisense, Roku, and Fire TV also offer ACR disablement options. Some users opt to remove smart features entirely to convert their devices into dumb TVs, using external hardware like a Raspberry Pi to maintain functionality without the associated privacy risks.

   Why it matters

   Smart TVs often ship with default settings that allow them to quietly monitor user activity. This data collection is typically used for targeted advertising. Privacy concerns persist because some tracking logs remain on the hardware even after basic setting changes.

   What is confirmed

   • Smart TVs track what users watch and sell that information to advertisers.
   • Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) can be disabled on Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio, TCL, Hisense, Roku, and Fire TV.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Many people purchase LG TVs primarily because they are cheap.
   • A 50 dollar Raspberry Pi can be used to stop a smart TV from spying.

   What to watch next

   • Evidence of whether ACR disablement removes hardware-level logs without a factory reset
   • Updates on default privacy settings for 2027 smart TV models
   Sources used for this update (29)

   1. www.timeout.com — Things to do in Bangkok
   2. darkmarc.substack.com — Your LG ‘Smart TV’ is Spying on You - Here’s How to Stop It ...
   3. www.vitalthrills.com — Prime Video October 2026 Movie and TV Titles Announced
   4. www.makeuseof.com — You’ve set up your smart TV all wrong, fix these 5 settings - MUO
   5. www.pocket-lint.com — I turned my smart TV into a dumb TV, and I regret not doing it sooner - Pocket-lint
   6. www.cnet.com — Home Security Cheat Sheet: CNET's Best Advice in One Place
   7. www.hoyolab.com — Kuchiba's Arc: Every Cameo & Appearance (4.0–4.5) 붕괴: 스타레일
   8. www.zdnet.com — A stranger can learn a lot about you in 5 minutes online - how to check and delete it ASAP
   9. timesofindia.indiatimes.com — Always saying yes? 5 ways to set boundaries without feeling like the bad person
   10. www.cbr.com — The Midnight Universe Confirms More Major Changes in Marvel's Official December 2026 Solicitations - CBR
   11. www.abc.net.au — Best books out in September, from Emily St John Mandel, RF Kuang and more - ABC News
   12. www.buzzfeed.com — 32 Newer Products That’ll Help You Freshen Up Your Everyday Routine
   confidence 90%
7. 41d ago

   Factory resets required to clear LG smart TV data logs

   Users must perform a factory reset to remove specific data logs from LG smart TV hardware. This method serves as a primary solution to stop the constant collection of user data on these devices. While other technical fixes exist to limit tracking, the hardware-level logs persist until a full reset is executed. This addresses ongoing privacy concerns regarding how LG manages user information and device monitoring.

   Why it matters

   Smart TVs utilize Automatic Content Recognition to monitor viewing habits. Some users have previously attempted to stop this by removing microphones or Wi-Fi hardware.

   Still unconfirmed

   • LG smart TVs constantly collect user data
   • Factory resetting is the only way to remove certain data logs from LG TV hardware

   What to watch next

   • Verification of whether other TV manufacturers require factory resets to clear hardware logs
   • Official response from LG regarding the persistence of hardware data logs
   Sources used for this update (2)

   1. www.wsls.com — South Korea's Lee tells AP he advocates step-by-step approach to North's nuclear disarmament
   2. www.zdnet.com — Your LG smart TV is constantly collecting your data – here’s how to stop it
   confidence 70%
8. 45d ago

   Smart TV Privacy Concerns and Data Tracking Methods

   Smart TVs use Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) to track viewing habits, leading to widespread privacy concerns. Users can implement fixes to stop these devices from spying, though some consumers have resorted to physically removing microphones and Wi-Fi hardware. LG specifically faces accusations of logging data, scanning home devices, and recording private conversations. While technical solutions exist to limit data collection, the prevalence of ACR tracking remains a standard industry practice for monitoring user content consumption.

   Why it matters

   The rise of connected home devices has increased the volume of personal data collected by manufacturers. This creates a conflict between convenience and user privacy. Understanding how ACR works is essential for users attempting to secure their home networks.

   What is confirmed

   • Smart TVs track viewing habits through Automatic Content Recognition (ACR).
   • Methods exist to protect users from TV spying.

   Still unconfirmed

   • LG Smart TVs record conversations and scan devices inside homes.
   • LG is involved in a data logging scandal.

   What to watch next

   • Official response from LG regarding recording accusations
   • Regulatory rulings on the legality of ACR tracking
   • Release of standardized privacy settings across major TV brands
   Sources used for this update (8)

   1. The Verge — There are ways to protect yourself from your spying TV
   2. CNET — Is Your TV Spying on You? Yes, and Here’s How to Fix It
   3. Law Commentary — LG Smart TVs Accused of Recording Conversations and Scanning Devices Inside Homes
   4. Kotaku — Dude Rips Out Mic And Wifi From New LG TV That Reportedly Spies On Customers: 'You Don't Own The Glass On This One!'
   5. ua.news — Smart TVs track viewing through ACR — The Verge
   6. On New Jersey — LG Tv’s Data Logging Scandal
   7. collider.com — Prime Video's 39-Part Sci-Fi Series Feels Like It Was Made To Be Binged
   8. www.wsls.com — Trump's 'grand conspiracy' probe presses on with subpoenas after the lead prosecutor’s exit
   confidence 70%