Streaming Devices: The Quiet Watchers in Your Home
As we indulge in our favorite TV shows and movies on our streaming devices, it’s easy to overlook the fact that these devices are quietly watching us too. Behind the scenes, most smart TVs and streaming platforms collect data about what we watch, when we watch it, and how we interact with their apps. This information is used to “personalize our experience” – which usually means more targeted ads and curated recommendations.
But is this level of tracking really necessary? If you’re uncomfortable with companies tracking your viewing habits, it’s time to dig into your settings and regain some control. In this article, we’ll explore what your streaming devices are collecting and how you can limit the amount of data they collect.
Amazon Fire TV: Limiting Data Collection
Amazon’s Fire TV collects limited information about customers’ use of third-party apps, including frequency and duration of use. However, Amazon’s privacy policy also states that the device collects data about your use of the device and its features, such as your navigation of the home screen and selection of device settings.
To limit the amount of data Fire TV collects, go to Settings, then Preferences, and then Privacy Settings. Here, you can disable tracking for marketing purposes and limit the frequency and duration of app usage tracking.
Google Chromecast: Controlling Data
Google’s Chromecast with Google TV collects data on your search history, search results, audio information, and interactions with content and ads. However, Google says that the Chromecast platform does not perform ACR (Application Communication and Reporting) or monitor what specific content users are watching.
To control data on the Google Chromecast with Google TV, you can adjust your settings to limit data collection.
Roku: Limiting Tracking
Roku’s privacy policy states that the company collects data on your search history, search results, audio information, and interactions with content and ads. Roku also shares data with advertisers, including ads that you view within Roku’s Channels and Third-Party Channels.
To limit or disable some of the tracking on Roku, you can adjust your settings to limit data collection.
Apple TV: Controlling Data
Apple’s privacy policy states that the company collects information from your Apple ID, including what content you’re playing, when you played it, and where exactly in the content you paused or stopped watching. Apple also shares some information with partners that work with Apple to provide products and services.
To limit Apple’s tracking, you can prevent individual apps from seeing your data by clicking “no” every time this pops up. You can also adjust your privacy settings by going to Settings, then General, and then Privacy.
Actionable Insights
- Take control of your data by adjusting your streaming device settings to limit data collection.
- Be aware of what data your streaming devices are collecting and how it’s being used.
- Consider using a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your internet traffic and protect your data.
Conclusion
Streaming devices are an integral part of our daily lives, but it’s essential to be aware of what data they’re collecting and how it’s being used. By adjusting your settings and taking control of your data, you can regain some control over your online privacy. Remember, it’s always a good idea to review your streaming device’s privacy policy and adjust your settings accordingly.