Refresh!
Keep your TV’s operating system and installed applications up to date. Even if the TV manufacturer no longer updates the system, applications should be updated regularly!
Cameras and microphone
As Skype is no longer supported on TVs, no TV manufacturer builds cameras into their TVs. If you have an old TV that includes a camera, disable this feature. Also, disable the microphone. If you do not use the voice control function, turn it off too.
Trusted apps
Only use apps from trusted manufacturers – we do not recommend installing from external sources, only from the TV manufacturer’s app store or the Play Store.
When browsing, use caution!
Only use the TV browser if absolutely necessary, and even then, do not use it to visit a website with important personal information – for example, the web banking interface. Do not enter any other passwords! If you want to view websites on your TV, do it with a Chromecast or by connecting your smartphone to your TV.
A secure network
Make sure your home network is secure too. Ideally, this means WPA3 encryption, although not all routers and devices support this yet. Do not give guest users access to the main network! Modern routers also support the creation of a second Wi-Fi, with reduced privileges, for exactly this purpose.
Fewer apps
The more apps you install on your TV, the more likely one or another will collect and transmit personal data. That’s why if there is an app you don’t use, remove it. (If we do need it later, we can put it back.)
Blocking services
Check not only apps but also services. Turn off what you don’t need – for example, content recommendation, etc.
Read carefully
TVs can (and do) collect a lot of information, including a lot of information that is considered personal information. Of course, it is recommended that you read the terms and conditions before accepting them, but we know that most people don’t do that anyway.
Privacy settings
The menu should be combed through and the relevant options should be disabled one by one (e.g. personalized ads can be turned off, etc.). This is a lot of work, and you really need to look carefully at all the options, because manufacturers like to hide privacy options.
Restrict Internet access
Not exactly a sophisticated solution, but if you have no other choice and want to be absolutely sure, you can cut off the TV’s internet access. Practically, this means unplugging the Ethernet cable. Of course, if you want to watch streaming video, you’ll have to plug the cable back in, so this solution is inconvenient.