Roku, Fire TV, Chromecast secretly track your viewing data, report finds
Your smart TV is watching everything you watch. Here's how to stop it.
Deep Dive
A new report confirms Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Google Chromecast devices collect extensive personal data, including viewing history, usage patterns, and even on-screen content via Automatic Content Recognition (ACR). While some data is needed for basic features, the collection often exceeds expectations, fueling targeted ads and filter bubbles. You can disable or limit tracking in your device's privacy settings, but for complete privacy, you must disconnect the TV from the internet entirely.
Why It Matters
This pervasive tracking shapes the ads you see and the content you're recommended, directly impacting your digital privacy at home.