[kiwee]

Unfortunately all vendors do it. Here is how to disable it, for most brands: https://www.flatpanelshd.com/focus.php?subaction=showfull&id...

[ryanianian]

I bought 2 smart TVs recently and was able to turn all this BS off by simply not accepting the privacy policies during setup. Of course this means you can't use the built-in netflix apps or check for software updates or whatever but that's fine by me. I left both on my network for a period of time as well to check (via DPI) and indeed neither one was actually doing anything on the network other than pinging a software-update server every few days.

[driverdan]

Here is how to disable it for all brands: Don't connect your TV to the internet.

[kirstenbirgit]

Exactly. I wouldn't trust any TV where it's even an option.

[Silhouette]

If only that were a future-proof strategy. :-(

[hatch_q]

Some of the newer TVs need to be configured with internet access to even work.

[WiseWeasel]

I'd return it and get a different manufacturer.

[eps]

Got specific examples? Bold claims require proper sources.

[EpicEng]

I just bought a new TV and found zero examples of that from any manufacturer.

[markosaric]

Thanks for sharing this! I had to go disable this "feature" on the "Smart TV" my family has. Turned off "Viewing Information Services" and "Interest Based Advertising". It was on by default!?

[stragies]

On my recent LG WebOS-TV Netflix and Amazon Prime wont start anymore after that.

[milofeynman]

Great link, I still don't connect mine to the internet.

I was hoping it mentioned consoles. Does anyone know if PS4 does this and if there is a way to turn it off?