When we hear the question “do they still make dumb tvs,” we’re really asking if the glowing screens still respect our privacy.

do they still make dumb tvs

Smart‑TVs have become the heart of the living room, but their cameras, microphones, and data feeds can feel like a silent watchdog.

We’ve seen headlines: Vizio’s $17 million settlement over hidden data collection, LG’s root‑access bug that let hackers seize control, and Samsung’s leaked voice logs. Each case shows that the line between a simple display and a spying device is thinner than we think.

So what’s the roadmap? In the next sections we’ll:

1. Break down the smart TV camera risk and how microphones can be turned on without our knowledge.
2. Explain TV data privacy—what shows up in the cloud and who gets it.
3. Walk through how to secure smart TV by disabling cameras, blocking data uploads, and tightening network settings.
4. Show you practical steps to keep your family’s moments private, from covering the lens to choosing a VPN that protects your streaming.

Step‑by‑step guide to secure your smart TV

1. Disable the camera – go to Settings → Privacy → Camera and toggle off.
2. Mute the microphone – Settings → Privacy → Microphone, then set to “Off.”
3. Limit data sharing – Turn off “Send usage data” and “Smart features.”
4. Update firmware – Check the manufacturer’s support page (e.g., Vizio support) for the latest updates.
5. Secure your Wi‑Fi – Use a strong password, enable WPA3 if available, and consider a dedicated router for smart devices.
6. Use a VPN – A reliable VPN keeps your traffic private.

• Forest VPN is an affordable, easy‑to‑use option that protects your streaming from prying eyes.
• Testimonial: “After installing Forest VPN, I feel safe knowing my kids’ viewing habits stay private.” – John, parent.

We’ll finish with a quick checklist you can copy into a note and check off each month. Ready to reclaim your living room?

Try Forest VPN today – it’s simple to set up, affordable, and keeps your smart TV data private. For more privacy resources, visit our privacy articles.

Camera and Microphone Vulnerabilities: What’s Really at Risk

Smart TVs aren’t just screens anymore. They’re full‑stack machines that ship with cameras, microphones, and firmware that can be hijacked. Over the past year, LG’s webOS CVE‑2023‑6319, Samsung’s leaked voice logs, and Vizio’s tracking flaws showed that attackers can execute remote code, elevate privileges, and plant backdoors. The result? Your living‑room can turn into a silent spy. Do they still make dumb TVs? We’ll walk through how these exploits unfold, what data they steal, and how you can shut them down.

Do They Still Make Dumb TVs?

Recent Exploits

Each case follows a simple pattern: a malicious packet reaches the TV, the firmware interprets it as a command, and the attacker gains privilege escalation. Once root access is achieved, a persistent backdoor can survive firmware updates unless patched.

What Data Do Manufacturers Send?

Samsung’s policy states voice data may be shared with “third‑party partners” for improving services. LG offers an opt‑out, but the default is on. Vizio historically sent large amounts of data, prompting a $17 million settlement.

Disabling Cameras and Microphones

1. LG – Settings → All Settings → Support → Privacy & Terms → Camera / Microphone → Toggle off.
2. Samsung – Settings → Privacy → Camera / Microphone → Turn off.
3. Vizio – Settings → Privacy → Camera / Microphone → Switch off.

After disabling, check the physical indicator light. Many TVs flash a red LED when the camera is active; however, some models use a subtle amber glow that can be missed. Covering the lens with a tape strip is the safest bet.

Quick Risk Assessment Checklist

• Camera: Is the LED active? Is the lens covered?
• Microphone: Is the mic toggle off? Are voice commands disabled?
• Data Sharing: Are personalized recommendations and voice uploads turned off?
• Firmware: Is the latest security patch installed?
• Network: Is the TV on a dedicated guest network? Is UPnP disabled?

By following these steps, you turn a potential threat into a controlled environment. Next, we’ll explore how a VPN can add an extra shield.

LG Support Link

For a step‑by‑step guide on disabling LG’s camera, visit the official support page: https://www.lg.com/us/support.

Do They Still Make Dumb TVs? Data Collection and Third‑Party Sharing: Who’s Watching Your Playlist?

Ever wondered if those “dumb” TVs still exist? Many homeowners are on edge about data gathering, camera snooping, and the risk of hacking on their home entertainment gear. In truth, smart‑TVs stream a lot of information back to the makers, and sometimes to ad‑tech partners. That data can tell us what shows we love, when we pause, and even what we whisper into the mic. Knowing who gets this info—and how to opt out—helps keep our families and privacy safe.

Do They Still Make Dumb TVs? The Real Risks

Data Types Sent to Manufacturers

These details come straight from the privacy policies of Samsung, LG, and Vizio. Samsung says data may be shared with “third‑party partners” for service improvement. LG lets users opt out in the Privacy & Terms section, but defaults are on. Vizio’s recent $17 million settlement forced them to stop sending large amounts of viewing data to ad‑tech companies and to give users clear opt‑out options.

Manufacturer‑Specific Practices

• Samsung: Voice logs are stored in the cloud and may be accessed by partners. The privacy policy explicitly allows this. See the Samsung Support page for more details.
• LG: Offers a toggle for camera and microphone access; however, many users leave it on because the setting is buried in menus. Check the LG Support guide.
• Vizio: Historically sent extensive viewing data; the settlement required them to halt this practice and implement a user‑friendly opt‑out. Visit the Vizio Support page for instructions.

Practical Opt‑Out Steps

1. Navigate to Privacy Settings on your TV.
2. Toggle off Camera and Microphone—look for the Camera and Microphone switches.
3. Disable Personalized Recommendations to stop the TV from using your viewing history.
4. Turn off Voice Data Upload to keep your spoken commands private.
5. Opt out of Advertising—most manufacturers have a checkbox for ad‑tracking.

These steps mirror the process on LG, Samsung, and Vizio, as documented in their support pages. By following them, you cut the data pipeline that feeds into ad‑tech algorithms.

Why Parents Should Care

If a child’s favorite cartoon is recorded by the TV’s camera, that footage could end up in a data lake used for targeted ads. Parents can protect their kids by physically covering the camera or disabling it entirely. Even when the camera is off, voice data can still travel to the cloud unless you turn that feature off.

Secure Your Smart TV

• Use a dedicated guest network for your TV to isolate it from personal devices.
• Change default passwords on the TV’s admin interface.
• Keep firmware updated—most security patches are pushed automatically but check manually every 3–6 months.

By applying these measures, you transform your living room from a potential data mine into a fortress of privacy.

For a deeper dive into how smart devices collect data, check out our article on TV data privacy.

Takeaway

Disabling cameras, microphones, and data sharing cuts the data trail that feeds advertisers. Updating firmware and isolating the TV on a separate network further hardens your setup. Small tweaks today protect your family’s privacy tomorrow.