Smart TVs Are Invading Privacy and Should Be Investigated, Senators Say (arstechnica.com)

Earlier this month, The New York Times reported that a number of smart TV makers include services from companies that track a range of viewer information about their customers. Now, two Democratic US senators are asking the Federal Trade Commission to investigate privacy problems related to Internet-connected televisions. From a report: "Many Internet-connected smart TVs are equipped with sophisticated technologies that can track the content users are watching and then use that information to tailor and deliver targeted advertisements to consumers," Sens. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) wrote in a letter yesterday to FTC Chairman Joseph Simons. "Regrettably, smart TV users may not be aware of the extent to which their televisions are collecting sensitive information about their viewing habits." The letter asked the FTC to "launch an investigation into the privacy policies and practices of smart TV manufacturers." When contacted by Ars, an FTC spokesperson confirmed that the agency received the letter from Markey and Blumenthal, but the FTC offered no further comment.

Comments

This is odd.

[fahrbot-bot]

I saw something about this while watching C-SPAN on my Smart TV and I heard the Senators say, "Smart TVs are wonderful and everyone should own one and watch it every day." Sure, their mouths and words lined up like on a old b&w Godzilla movie dubbed into English, but what's weird about that? I'll watch my Smart TV some more and get back to you with any updates ...

Re:Use Other Devices

[ShanghaiBill]

there is no reason to allow your smart TV to connect to the internet.

Uhhh, Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, YouTube, etc. There are plenty of reasons.

I should not have to watch movies on my cellphone just to avoid tracking.