Tech Companies Transform TVs into Data-Collecting Devices, Raising Privacy Concerns
Major technology companies are increasingly integrating smartphone-like applications into smart TVs, transforming them into devices that collect extensive user data. Google has made its Photos app available on Samsung smart TVs, and YouTube has extended its Gemini-powered features to TV apps. This shift is part of a broader trend where TVs are becoming more like smartphones, offering apps such as music streaming services and Instagram Reels. This integration allows companies to gather more data from users, as TVs can track viewing habits, time spent watching, and even audio from voice commands. Despite the convenience, this raises significant privacy concerns as these devices collect and share data with advertisers, creating detailed consumer profiles.