Your old television set was not so bright. Remember when we called it the Boob Tube? It was a passive box that sat in your living room and played out television programs. It had the IQ of a kitchen toaster and it did what you told it to do.
Now we have something called “smart TVs,” also called internet-connected TVs, that have computer functions in them and an output that sends data to someone or something. This function is essential to connect to Netflix, Apple TV, Roku and a number of other new services.
In the past year or so, many of us were agitated about our personal data being hacked by trusted names like Facebook, Target and Google. Most likely, your personal data is already out there waiting to be harvested by some unscrupulous player looking to do you harm — just another thing to worry about in life.
As you open the box and plug it in, your new TV has some smarts to it. First of all, it has an IP address just like a computer. That means it has an identifier that differentiates it from other TVs in your house, your neighborhood or the world. The scary part is that it tracks your television viewing habits and sends this data to companies wanting this information so they can market products to you.
If you have several sets in your house, your TV will eventually know which one is the kid’s TV, Grandma’s TV or your own. It will know when you change channels and know what program you left to watch another program. It will keep track of how much time you watch a particular program and can figure out the genre of programs you are most interested in. Many new televisions are equipped with a camera so that you can Skype someone and have a video phone call. Does that mean that your television can also watch you watching it? It’s possible. But why would anyone want to see you in your PJs eating Cheetos?
You should know that the Federal Communications Commission’s purpose isn’t to watch out for the consumer. When you fire up a smart TV for the first time, you will be asked if you agree to send data out to interested parties. But how many of us actually read the disclaimers and terms of service? The FCC feels that as long as set manufacturers are somewhat truthful and transparent to consumers, it’s really “buyer beware.”
Most likely, the good things about internet-connected televisions are that you can get video on demand, Skype your mom and get recommendations on what programs to watch next. The not-so-good possibilities can boggle the mind. You might want to read the disclaimers more carefully.
James Morgese, KUED general manager, Salt Lake City