Dan GoodinApr 29, 2024

Looks like the anti-smartTV alarmism is out in full force today on the feditubes. A reminder: connecting a smartTV to the Internet is perfectly safe as long as you take 2 minutes to follow common sense guidance:

https://www.consumerreports.org/electronics/privacy/how-to-turn-off-smart-tv-snooping-features-a4840102036/

SmartTVs don't collect anymore data than Microsoft Windows, Google, Facebook, Twitter or even your credit card company.

Don't be fooled by the people trying to shame or scare you. And definitely don't get tricked into the magical thinking that streaming with a Roku is somehow safer than with a TV. It's not.

How to Turn Off Smart TV Snooping Features

TVs collect a huge amount of data. Here's how to use privacy settings to limit the surveillance on TVs from LG, Samsung, TCL, and every other big brand.

Consumer Reports
Show threadStephen Bannasch (316 ppm)Apr 29, 2024
@dangoodin I got a 40" Hisense Roku "smart tv" for $200 and just use it a a large tertiary monitor. It's never been connected to the Internet.
Show threadDan Goodin

@stepheneb

That's silly.

Apr 29, 2024 at 5:05pmWeb
Show threadStephen Bannasch (316 ppm)Apr 29, 2024
@dangoodin It was very cheap and the quality is acceptable on my M1 macbook pro. I have no need to connect it to the Internet which means I don't have to think about the security issues ... which means I have. a bit more energy for digging into other security issues.
Show threadDan GoodinApr 29, 2024

@stepheneb

Sigh. If you practice basic common sense when using your smartTV there are no more security issues to worry about then when you use your M1.

Show threadStephen Bannasch (316 ppm)Apr 29, 2024
@dangoodin Right now I don't have any closed devices connected to the Internet only computers and routers where with effort I can do security forensics. Just common sense not to connect closed devices if I don't need the services offered by enabling the Internet connection. I'm not opposed to a smart tv but I I wanted that capability I'd also expect to first make an effort to understand what are the security implications.