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Smart TVs: Your Living Room Is Now a Billboard
20 Oct
Summary
- Consumers are concerned about smart TVs collecting data and invasive ads.
- Users are disconnecting smart TVs or using external devices for privacy.
- The market for 'dumb' TVs is nearly non-existent, forcing difficult choices.
A growing number of consumers are expressing dissatisfaction with smart televisions, viewing them as intrusive and privacy-invading. Concerns range from constant software updates and pushy subscription services to fears of devices listening to conversations and displaying highly invasive advertisements.
Frustrated users are opting for workarounds, such as using external devices like Apple TV boxes or keeping their smart TVs disconnected from the internet. Some individuals, like those in the UK and Australia, are facing a future where traditional broadcast television may be phased out in favor of streaming services and apps, potentially leaving them with no "dumb" TV options.
Reports from September 2026 highlighted investigations into smart TVs allegedly recording audio even when offline. In response, some consumers are resorting to DIY modifications, like removing microphones from TV remotes, to regain a sense of control over their privacy. This trend raises the question of whether modern televisions have become too smart for their own good.
