If you listen to us in the morning you know we can be paranoid.... but rightfully so! A recent article in USA Today reports that some TV companies are listening to you and selling the info for a fee. Unfortunately, the default setting on many Smart TVs leaves the system open to listen to ambient room noise and whatever you're saying when you think you're alone. This is really not cool, so here's instructions on how to stop it:
AMAZON'S FIRE TV
Open Settings and Preferences.
Click "Privacy Settings."
Switch off the following:
"Device Usage Data"
"Collect App and Over-the-Air data"
"Interest-based ads"
Naturally, Amazon will encourage changing the settings back, but don't.
TCL/ROKU
According to USA Today, TCL is the company that "makes branded Roku TVs with software also used in sets by Hisense, Hitachi, Insignia, Philips, RCA and Sharp." That software ACR, or "Automatic content recognition" capability.
Open Settings, Privacy, then "Smart TV Experience."
Deselect all the choices under the latter to disable ACR.
LG
Open the menu, click Settings,
From All Settings open General.
Find "LivePlus," LG's own ACR function.
Turn that off to ensure your content preferences remain your business.
SAMSUNG
On a new Samsung, open Settings then go to Support.
Open Terms & Policies.
Select "Viewing Information Services"
Uncheck the ACR tab.
Find Service Privacy Notice and be sure to uncheck Enable.
SONY
ACR is on the moment you agree to Sony TV service terms.
Go to Settings, then to setup.
Disable ACR.
VIZIO
Go to System.
Click "Reset & Admin."
Choose "Viewing Data." That's how you opt out of Vizio's ACR.
