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Smart TVs collect viewing data and upload it to manufacturers

Manufacturers of smart televisions gather extensive viewer data using automatic content recognition technology to identify watched programs.

Your smart TV has one big problem: It's tracking what you watch
File photo Your smart TV has one big problem: It's tracking what you watch Photo: Engadget

Data collection methods used

Devices capture screenshots every few seconds to identify content on built-in apps and streaming services. The system also records technical details such as IP addresses and Wi-Fi information. Voice remotes may send short audio snippets for processing by the manufacturer.

How the data is processed

Collected information feeds into an algorithm that generates a unique fingerprint of user habits. This processed data gets uploaded to the manufacturer for further analysis. The resulting profiles help advertisers personalize advertisements across multiple platforms.

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