Smart TVs offer advanced features like streaming apps and voice control, but they also collect extensive personal data through tracking technologies like Automatic Content Recognition (ACR). To protect your privacy and security, you must configure specific settings to limit data collection, prevent unauthorized access, and reduce exposure to cyber threats. The most critical adjustments include disabling ACR across all brands, securing network connections, updating firmware, and managing app permissions.

• Disable Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) on all smart TV brands (LG, Samsung, Sony, Vizio, etc.) to stop tracking of viewing habits ^[1][4][7]
• Strengthen network security with unique passwords for your TV, WiFi, and router, plus multifactor authentication where available ^[2][3]
• Update firmware regularly to patch vulnerabilities and enable built-in malware protection if your TV offers it ^[3][7]
• Limit camera/microphone access by physically covering lenses or disabling these features in settings ^[3][5]

Smart TV Privacy and Security Configuration Guide

Disabling Data Collection and Tracking Features

Smart TVs aggressively track user behavior through Automatic Content Recognition (ACR), which analyzes what you watch to build advertising profiles. This feature operates under different names across brands—Samba TV on LG/Vizio, "Viewing Information Services" on Samsung, or "Interest-Based Ads" on Sony—but serves the same purpose: monitoring your habits ^[1][4]. Disabling ACR is the single most effective step to prevent your TV from sharing data with advertisers or third parties.

To disable ACR, follow these brand-specific paths:

• LG TVs: Navigate to *Settings > All Settings > General > Live Plus and toggle it off. Then go to Settings > Support > Terms of Use* and disable "Advertising" and "Personalized Advertising" ^[1][4]
• Samsung TVs: Open *Settings > Support > Terms & Policies > Viewing Information Services* and turn off "Customize" and "Interest-Based Advertising" ^[1][7]
• Sony TVs: Access *Settings > Device Preferences > Samba Interactive TV and disable the toggle. Check Settings > Privacy* to opt out of ad personalization ^[1]
• Vizio TVs: Go to *Settings > System > Reset & Admin > Smart Interactivity* and turn it off ^[1]
• Roku/Hisense/TCL: Disable ACR under *Settings > Privacy > Advertising or Settings > System > Advanced System Settings* ^[4]

Beyond ACR, other tracking mechanisms include:

• Voice recognition features (e.g., LG’s ThinQ or Samsung’s Bixby), which may record and transmit voice data. Disable these under *Settings > Voice Recognition or Settings > AI Services* ^[3][7]
• Usage data collection for "product improvement," often enabled by default. Opt out in *Settings > Privacy > Data Collection* or similar menus ^[2]
• Pre-installed apps that may have their own tracking permissions. Review app permissions under *Settings > Apps* and disable unnecessary access to microphones, cameras, or storage ^[3]

For advanced users, network-level blocking can further reduce tracking. Tools like AdGuard Home or Pi-hole can block telemetry domains for LG’s webOS or Samsung’s Tizen OS, though this requires technical setup ^[10]. Users on Reddit and Techlore forums also recommend isolating the TV on a separate VLAN or using a firewall to restrict its internet access entirely ^[5][8].

Securing Network and Device Access

Smart TVs are entry points to your home network, making them targets for hackers seeking to exploit weak security. The FBI and cybersecurity experts emphasize that unsecured TVs can expose personal data, enable eavesdropping via built-in microphones/cameras, or serve as gateways to attack other connected devices ^[3][7]. Implementing these measures mitigates these risks:

1. Network Security Fundamentals - Use a strong, unique password for your TV’s account (if it requires one), WiFi network, and router. Avoid default credentials like "admin/admin" ^[2][3] - Enable WPA3 encryption on your router (or WPA2 if WPA3 isn’t available) to protect wireless traffic. Disable older protocols like WEP ^[2] - Change your router’s default SSID to avoid broadcasting the manufacturer/model, which hackers can exploit to target known vulnerabilities ^[3] - Enable multifactor authentication (MFA) for your router’s admin panel if supported ^[2]

1. Firmware and Software Updates - Check for firmware updates monthly under *Settings > Support > Software Update* (path varies by brand). Enable auto-updates if available ^[3][7] - For Android TVs, update both the TV’s OS and individual apps via the Google Play Store ^[2] - Samsung and LG TVs occasionally push security patches—install these promptly to address vulnerabilities like the 2021 LG webOS exploit that allowed remote code execution ^[7]

1. Physical and Permission-Based Protections - Cover the camera with opaque tape or a sliding shutter if your TV has one (common in higher-end Samsung or LG models). Disable the camera/microphone in *Settings > Privacy > Camera/Microphone* ^[3][5] - Review app permissions under *Settings > Apps* and revoke access to sensors (e.g., location, storage) for non-essential apps ^[3] - Disable Bluetooth and WiFi Direct when not in use to prevent unauthorized device pairing ^[8]

1. Advanced Network Isolation - Place the TV on a guest network or a VLAN separate from your primary devices to limit lateral movement if compromised ^[5][8] - Use a firewall (e.g., pfSense, OpenWRT) to block the TV’s outgoing connections to known telemetry domains (e.g., lgad.cjpowercast.com.edgesuite.net for LG) ^[10] - For extreme privacy, disconnect the TV from the internet entirely and use external devices (e.g., Apple TV, Nvidia Shield) for streaming, as suggested in Techlore and Reddit discussions ^[5][8]