‘It was so satisfying when I threw a rock through the screen’: the people sick of being spied on by their smart TV

Is your television listening to every conversation? Filling your home with highly invasive ads? Some viewers have had enough of tech violating their privacy

‘It was so satisfying when I threw a rock through the screen’: the people sick of being spied on by their smart TV

TL;DR

  • Consumers are frustrated with smart TVs due to constant, often useless, software updates and features that don't work as advertised.
  • Privacy concerns are rising, with users worried about TVs collecting data through sensors like microphones, even when offline.
  • The market for 'dumb' TVs is shrinking, making it difficult for consumers to find non-smart options.
  • Some individuals are resorting to disconnecting their TVs from the internet or making DIY modifications to disable microphones and other invasive features.
  • Government consultations in Australia and the UK suggest a future shift towards streaming services, potentially phasing out traditional broadcast TV and making 'dumb' TVs even less viable.