Smart TVs these days offer a variety of cool features, including internet access, streaming apps and built-in cameras and microphones. However, because they’re always connected to the internet, these TVs can be a potential risk. Our homes are getting intensely crowded with internet-connected gadgets from TVs to fridges to cars to even photo frames. The experts call this phenomenon “the internet of things”. And it’s given us an option to connect things that have traditionally never been associated with computers. An obvious example would be Smart TVs.
Smart TVs use home wifi to connect to the internet. And although many users may be unaware of it, Smart TV allows savvy users to trace through streaming services, online gaming and social media. Almost as same as one would on a tablet, smartphone or computer. Today a smart TV can be used to almost do anything. Send an email, browse the web, download apps, shop online, access music and of course view a huge ensemble of unregulated screen content. They do open a vast world of information but also invite risk.
Rapid Adoption
It is been less than a decade since the internet-connected TVs made their debut. But within no number of days, nearly every major manufacturer released a new television model with smart technology with the kind of functionality that was once reserved for gaming consoles and PCs.
So-called dumb TVs are still in manufacture today but mostly by the lower-end imported brands. But these can also easily get connected to the internet through popular interfaces like Google Chromecast or Amazon’s Fire Stick to catch up on streaming services like Netflix, Youtube etc. these are referred to as connected TVs.
Smart and connected TVs have overtaken computers and laptops now as the most popular devices for viewing screen content. And the number is expected to grow swiftly over the next few years as 5G turbo-charge the experience of downloading and streaming content. You can buy Smart TVs in India almost anywhere now.
Privacy Risks
The benefits of Smart TV are pretty obvious but they come with some real risks. An internet-connected, voice-enabled TV can track your search logs and what you’re watching. With this information, they can serve ads according to your way of life. Most Smart TVs come with an option for you to turn off such tracking, but you’ll have to do them manually it is not a default option.
And like any other connected device, Smart TVs can be hacked to gain access to your security cameras, social media data or stored files. Some users disconnected their smart TVs after the 2015 scandals where Samsung devices with voice recognition were listening to their owners 24 hours a day.
Experts advice to be extra safe:
- Don’t opt for the “easy” or “quick” set-up when activating a new device. Look for custom settings that let you turn off individual privacy settings. If you can’t turn them off, consider whether you are willing to take the risk of buying that model.
- Look for a short version of the privacy policy and read the points when manufacturers or developers release a new software update. Confirm what data they collect, how they store that data.
- Don’t download software that looks sceptical. There aren’t any anti-virus software available for smart TVs yet.
- Add two-step verification for apps that require log in.
- Know your TVs features and how to control them. Do basic internet research with your model number and the words “camera”, “microphone” and “privacy”.
- If you can’t turn off a camera but want to, a simple piece of black tape over the camera eye is one alternative
- Check the manufacturer’s facility to update your device with security patches.
