Smart TVs have become an indispensable part of our modern life, but these devices, through their constant connection to the Internet and through various applications, can form platforms for analysis and evaluation of the usage behavior of targeted advertisements, and even more by spying on the rooms in them and what is run in them through their built-in cameras. And its audio technology.

Ulrike Kohlmann of the German computer magazine "c't" explained that many televisions rely on the voice assistant from Google, Apple, or Amazon that is built into or compatible with it.

And the voice assistant enables you to control TVs and other smart home devices by voice.

Because of their constant internet connection, smart TVs are able to collect and transmit usage data, and even use them for targeted ads.

Recent studies have indicated that a user's general usage behavior, browsing and clicking behavior, or even vital data such as voice can be recorded and evaluated, in addition to individual content that is played on television.

For his part, German technical expert Andreas Flummer explained that the site and IP address can be transferred, which is redirected to Netflix and third-party advertising providers, for example, regardless of whether the user has an account with the broadcast provider or not.

Additionally, device type and location can be registered as well as TV serial number and wireless network name (WLAN), which theoretically can be used to create a user profile.

Experts point out that the amount of data collected depends on the manufacturer.

As a rule, cheaper TVs collect more data than those in the higher price segment.

The problem here is that the user cannot know the data that is being collected, and the manufacturers do not disclose it, with "serious transparency deficiencies" emerging upon examination.

The location and IP address that is redirected to Netflix and third-party ad providers (Getty Images) may be transferred.

Prevent data collection

The user can sometimes prevent data collection and use, preferably when setting up the device for the first time.

Coleman says this has no effect on other jobs.

If one of the services does not work after this, the data can be accessed again after that via Settings.

Another option is to create a blacklist in the router (network controller) so that the TV can only control certain servers.

However, this takes a long time, which necessitates expert and specialist interaction.

Coleman indicated that there are ready-made lists, but they must be kept permanently.

Uninstall apps

In turn, German digital technology expert Simon Farnke advises to uninstall applications that are not used on television, including voice control applications or cameras, as each application represents an additional risk to security and data protection, and it is not certain to maintain the security standard for devices. With software updates in the years after they are purchased for many manufacturers, companies do not provide binding information about how long they will provide security updates for their products.