by Chris Hachey at Pocket-Lint.com
- Some smart TVs may have built-in cameras that can pose a privacy and security risk to your home and Wi-Fi system.
- You can check for a camera on your TV by looking for a small lens at the top of the screen or by using smart home apps to locate it.
- To enhance privacy, disable cameras and microphones on your TV, limit content recognition features, and use a VPN for added protection.
Imagine this: you’re sitting at home on a Saturday night watching a movie on your brand new smart TV. As you’re watching the film, what you may not realize is that your TV is actually watching you. Welcome to the newest age of technology.
Unfortunately, this has been occurring for years now, and there are even TVs that have cameras in them to utilize features like facial recognition, which allows TVs to recognize who is watching it and tune to your most used apps or channels. While in theory it could sound like a great nuanced idea, it also poses a security risk that could turn your TV into a monitoring device of you and your activities. Not to mention, it also can pose a threat to your Wi-Fi system, as many smart TVs are hooked up to your router.
That said, not all TVs house built-in cameras — but there are plenty that do. So you need to be prepared to find them, if you’re curious if yours has one, and protect yourself and your home, if you’re worried about privacy. Here’s more on how to find out if yours has one.