cross-posted from : https://lemmy.zip/post/71045682
An investigation by Gamers Nexus found LG smart TVs sweep local networks to map phones and nearby devices. Tests also showed the sets can capture microphone audio with the screen off — they then upload data once reconnected to the internet.
I keep my LG TV permanently disconnected from the internet, but there’s no good option for a smart TV interface. I use a Fire TV stick and use Pi Hole to sanitise it to some extent. My home server sits behind my TV cabinet and I eagerly watch the progress of Plasma Bigscreen. Kodi interface is ass. We badly need a good option for a privacy friendly Smart TV interface.
They said these devices were the future but omitted they meant a dystopian one.
It is amazing how almost all modern tech means a shittier experience for the consumer with very few benefits which doesn’t outweight the negatives. The only ones benefiting from modern tech are oligarchs and people who want to spy on people. And oh yeah the job of your average scammer has also been made much easier.
This is scary shite. In an apartment, your neighbor’s tv could be recording your conversations through the wall.
