Technology
It’s not your phone or Alexa: there’s a spy in your home, and 99% of people have no idea what it is
This device is one of the most widespread appliances in our homes, and in its most modern versions, it can also be one of the most powerful observers of our lives.
TVs have been a household staple since they became popular in the mid-20th century. Over the decades, their evolution has been exponential — from black-and-white to color screens, and from bulky CRTs to sleek flat panels. But in recent years, we’ve seen the rise of smart TVs, which have transformed into powerful multimedia hubs. These devices can do it all: connect to the internet, stream videos and images, make video calls, respond to voice commands, use facial recognition, and much more. But along with all these features comes a darker side — smart TVs can also be major spies in our homes. And 99% of users have no idea.
The hidden observers in our homes
We’ve been hearing for years about how smartphones and smart speakers like Alexa may be listening in. But today’s smart TVs are also potential watchers of our daily lives. Many of these newer models come equipped with built-in microphones and cameras that are capable of collecting personal data.
Back in 2019, the Financial Times reported that some smart TVs from brands like Samsung and LG, along with streaming platforms such as Roku and FireTV, were sending users’ IP addresses and location data to Netflix and third-party advertisers. Other smart devices with cameras and microphones — like those from Microsoft and Spotify — were also found to transmit similar information to outside parties, including user behavior and device usage data. Experts say that this kind of tracking can even reveal when you’re home — and when you’re not.
More recently, studies have shown that even when no one is actively watching, major smart TV brands continue to collect data on user habits. According to the FBI, app developers like Vizio, LG, and Samsung have faced suspicions in the past for spying on users. There have also been cases where intelligence agencies such as the CIA and MI5 accessed smart TV data to eavesdrop through built-in cameras and microphones.
How to protect your privacy from a smart TV
The first step is to check whether your smart TV has a built-in camera and microphone. If it does, it’s likely collecting data about your habits — even if not for malicious purposes. It’s important to remember that smart TV manufacturers often share the data they collect with advertisers. On top of that, hackers can break into your device through its internet connection and access its camera or microphone.
Here are some steps you can take to minimize your TV’s spying capabilities:
- Check the features: Review your TV’s specs and settings to understand which features are active and how to limit them.
- Change your passwords: Don’t rely on default security settings — change all passwords right away.
- Turn off tracking: Go through your TV’s settings and disable any tracking or data collection features you find.
- Physically cover the camera: If you’re worried about being watched, a simple piece of black tape over the lens can do the trick.
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