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ZDNET's key takeaways
- Roku, Fire, and Chromecast TVs may collect viewing, usage, and screen‑content data.
- You can disable or limit data collection via privacy/ACR settings.
- Full privacy requires disconnecting the TV from the internet entirely.
Whenever I hear about consumer data tracking, my half-century-old brain dredges up that Hall and Oates hit called “Private Eyes” with the refrain “they're watching you.”
I don't mean to incite Big Brother paranoia; I know I'm not being spied on everywhere I go, especially not in the seclusion of my home. But while using streaming devices, you can almost guarantee that your entertainment and advertisement preferences are being tracked.
Also: I changed 6 settings on my Roku TV to significantly improved the performance
The culprit is better known as Big Data — arguably less invasive and sinister, but still annoying to some people — and there are ways to mitigate that on your streaming devices if you're one of them.
While some data collection is necessary for basic functionality, many streaming devices collect more than required; so much so that you essentially lose control of your privacy, fall into filter bubbles (viewing algorithms that are narrower), and receive more targeted ads than expected.
Below are some general strategies for regaining control over your privacy while using streaming services.
1. Check your privacy settings
Most streaming devices have privacy settings that allow you to control what data is collected and shared. Take the time to explore these settings and disable any tracking features that you're not comfortable with.
2. Limit ad tracking
Many streaming platforms allow you to limit ad tracking or opt out of personalized ads. This not only reduces the amount of data collected about your viewing habits, it also limits targeted advertising.
3. Use a VPN
A virtual private network (VPN) can encrypt your internet traffic and mask your IP…