There are so many ways to collect customer’s data that businesses applied in the past years. I’ve read and also heard about how business used customers personal information for different purposes. However, in this modern World, consumers choose to SMART everything from SMART phone, SMART watch, SMART laptop etc, without knowing their data has been collected and being used
One of the article I have read last month about SMART TV was really made me concerned about privacy data. The title was “Your TV is watching you watching TV”, I never thought of it, how does TV collect your information?
According to a new Consumer Report Investigation (2018): “Data of your viewing habits plus your personal information will be collected to sell to other marketers. It happens when you set up a SMART TV, one of the term and condition will ask for your permission to collect your data during initial setup. Consumers will tend to to agree without reading it too carefully.
“The realistic of this data- drenched World raise substantial concerns about privacy, and people’s abilities to control their own life” – This is actually true and scary at the same time. It makes consumers feel like their TV is spying on them but not everyone will know about this function on their TV. For example the elder demographics, who mainly watching TV and may possibility been targeted.
How do you stop it ?
It depends on the brands and models but yes, there is a way to stop it. From your TV
- Click menu on the remote
- Select setting
- Highlight SMART interactivity
- Press right arrow to switch off
Be SMART when you use SMART devices. All of the information maybe benefits for you and businesses to recommend the right channels or videos in the suggestion lists, however, you can also be targeted for marketing purpose.
References
https://www.zdnet.com/article/how-to-keep-your-smart-tv-from-spying-on-you/
https://www.which.co.uk/news/2014/08/smart-tv-spying-are-you-watching-tv-or-is-it-watching-you/
Marketing Trends 2019 
It’s a bit creepy to think our tv’s could be watching us! I appreciate the tips you have included and will check my TV setting’s once I am home. 🙂
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Thank you for your comment. The news was surprising me and I think it’s quite new to a lot of people as well. By ignore a little setting, they can easily steal your information.
I wish the government needs more rules and laws for the internet
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Great post, Tianna! Yes, I do. I really do care about my privacy. I feel really annoyed when random people are calling me or emailing me with my name. I was like how do they know my name. I mean the name is not a big thing, but what if they can get my further personal details e.g. bank details. I really do think we need a law/policy to protect our privacy.
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Thank you again Vince, some people get click bait from scam email from banks or government telling them to confirm their information. If your personal information is not leak, they definitely don’t know your email, name or what type of bank are you using. It’s scary that everyone need to be careful
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Thanks for the tip. I just purchased a SMART TV recently and I’ve been noticing that tv is suggesting programs that I’ve been discussing with friends with but not actually searching using the TV. I will definitely not be making the same mistake twice! However, don’t you think SMART companies should address this issue, as privacy should be a priority for all customers.
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Thank you for your comment.
We need more law and legislation to protect customers privacy because i don’t think the government didn’t take it too seriously
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