Skip to content
Smart TVs Continue Tracking Users Despite Opt-Out Settings

Smart TVs Continue Tracking Users Despite Opt-Out Settings

First seen 22 Oct 2026, 17:46 UTC • •
API

Article Content

Browse articles
ThreatCluster AI
ThreatCluster •October 23, 2026 at 17:43 UTC
  • •Smart TVs from Samsung and Vizio continue to send tracking data despite user opt-out.
  • •The study involved 5,943 tests across 12 TVs, revealing significant privacy concerns.
  • •An exposed server leaked over 57 million viewing records from VIDAA TVs.

A study from Northeastern University revealed that smart TVs from major brands like Samsung and Vizio still send tracking data to automatic content recognition (ACR) endpoints even when users opt out. The research involved 5,943 automated tests on 12 TVs across 10 manufacturers, covering 95% of the U.S. smart TV market. Samsung's Tizen OS was particularly problematic, as it continued to transmit data during opted-out tests. The study also identified an exposed server leaking over 57 million viewing records from VIDAA TVs, raising significant privacy concerns. The findings suggest that opting out may not effectively prevent data collection, although most traffic was encrypted, limiting confirmation of its contents. The study highlights potential privacy violations and calls for better user control over data collection.

Start a free Starter trial for enhanced analysis

Ask AI about this cluster

Updated 2d ago How this analysis works

Timeline

2026-10-21
Research paper published
Northeastern University published findings on smart TV tracking, revealing ongoing data transmission despite user opt-out settings.
Arstechnica
2026-10-22
Study findings reported
Cyberinsider reported on the study's findings, emphasizing the privacy implications of smart TV tracking.
Cyberinsider

More articles in this cluster (4)

Following this threat?

Track Amagi in your own feed — you're alerted when they show up in new reporting, leak sites or exploitation.

Free account · no card needed

Extracted Entities (21)

1 / 2

Common questions

Which smart TV brands are affected?
The study found that Samsung, Vizio, and Roku smart TVs continue to send tracking data despite opt-out settings.
What are the privacy implications?
The ongoing data transmission raises concerns about user privacy and the effectiveness of opt-out mechanisms.
What should users do to protect their privacy?
Users should be aware that opting out may not stop data collection and consider additional privacy measures.