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The "fix" to this is to not let your TV connect to the internet. Instead, use a set top box that you trust to stream Netflix, etc. Mythtv or tvheadend are good

The "fix" to this is to not let your TV connect to the internet. Instead, use a set top box that you trust to stream Netflix, etc. Mythtv or tvheadend are good solutions for live tv if you have a computer with a capture card.

kylec 11y ago
I wonder how long it'll be before a smart TV is sold that automatically scans for and connects to open wireless access points so it can phone home.
pdkl95 11y ago
That works until manufacturers make a deal with cellular networks. precedent: onstar
- deleted 11y ago
  [deleted]
Bud 11y ago
No. The fix is to militate against "smart" TV makers and boycott them until they remove this malware and stop snooping as a means to gain more revenue. That is the only fix. No other fixes are trustable and verifiable at this point. The fix is, don't ever buy a smart TV. Buy the stupidest TV you possibly can. TV makers don't know anything about software and security, and they don't care at all about user privacy. So they shouldn't be allowed to write software and put features in their TVs.
- Silhouette 11y ago
  TV makers don't know anything about software and security, and they don't care at all about user privacy. So they shouldn't be allowed to write software and put features in their TVs. I'm not sure that blanket restrictions on evolving technologies are a good idea, but the manufacturers and any store selling their products should be required to prominently disclose any unexpected or potentially unwanted behaviour so potential purchasers can make an informed decision. If we are truly going to see the Internet of Things invading our homes and household devices coming with privacy policies, perhaps we should legislate that those policies must be written on packaging and displayed alongside the products in stores in text large enough to read from as far away as you can usefully see the product itself. ;-)
- jgalt212 11y ago
  Yes, I can implement the fix that @bsilvereagle recommends, but consumers don't all need to be tech savy to avoid being abused. For the same reasons we have fair lending laws, we should have fair tech laws.

kylec 11y ago

I wonder how long it'll be before a smart TV is sold that automatically scans for and connects to open wireless access points so it can phone home.

pdkl95 11y ago

That works until manufacturers make a deal with cellular networks. precedent: onstar

deleted 11y ago
[deleted]

Bud 11y ago

No. The fix is to militate against "smart" TV makers and boycott them until they remove this malware and stop snooping as a means to gain more revenue. That is the only fix. No other fixes are trustable and verifiable at this point. The fix is, don't ever buy a smart TV. Buy the stupidest TV you possibly can. TV makers don't know anything about software and security, and they don't care at all about user privacy. So they shouldn't be allowed to write software and put features in their TVs.

Silhouette 11y ago
TV makers don't know anything about software and security, and they don't care at all about user privacy. So they shouldn't be allowed to write software and put features in their TVs. I'm not sure that blanket restrictions on evolving technologies are a good idea, but the manufacturers and any store selling their products should be required to prominently disclose any unexpected or potentially unwanted behaviour so potential purchasers can make an informed decision. If we are truly going to see the Internet of Things invading our homes and household devices coming with privacy policies, perhaps we should legislate that those policies must be written on packaging and displayed alongside the products in stores in text large enough to read from as far away as you can usefully see the product itself. ;-)
jgalt212 11y ago
Yes, I can implement the fix that @bsilvereagle recommends, but consumers don't all need to be tech savy to avoid being abused. For the same reasons we have fair lending laws, we should have fair tech laws.