All articles tagged with #data collection
An Echo privacy guide warns that default settings enable extensive data collection, including Amazon Sidewalk, indefinite storage of voice recordings, and optional human review to improve Alexa. To protect privacy, opt out of Sidewalk, set voice recordings to auto-delete after three months, disable the "Help Improve Alexa" feature, restrict Drop In to your household or turn it off, and regularly delete your sound history to minimize data exposure.
Samsung’s smart TVs collect viewing data, voice commands, and use this information for advertising and analytics by default (ACR and related features). To disable, go to Settings > Privacy Choices and turn off Viewing Information Services (ACR), disable Interest-Based Advertising, and switch off Voice Recognition Services. Doing so reduces data sharing with Samsung and targeted ads, though it won’t affect core TV performance.
The Register compiles a sweeping inventory of third-party ad-tech vendors (TCF and others), detailing each vendor's cookie usage, durations, and data collection practices. The list shows cookie lifetimes ranging from days to multiple years, and data collected including IP addresses, device identifiers, location data, user profiles, and authentication-derived identifiers. It notes whether vendors use other storage, and whether they rely on legitimate interests or consent, with several vendors not using cookies or using alternative storage. The piece underscores how pervasive and varied online tracking is across the ad ecosystem.
Smart TVs collect detailed viewing data through Automated Content Recognition (ACR) and related telemetry across apps and external devices. The guide explains how to disable data collection on major brands (Samsung, LG, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Android/Google TV, and Vizio) by adjusting settings such as ACR/Live Plus, Viewing Information, Advertising/Interest-Based Ads, and Voice data, noting that options vary by model and region and that some diagnostic data may still be collected.
Google’s Personal Intelligence, in Gemini and AI Mode, can scan Gmail, Photos, and history to infer intimate details (even a license plate and travel plans), raising privacy and trust concerns about an AI that seems to know too much; Google says it trains only on prompts and responses, not private data like emails or photos.
The piece explains that Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) on most smart TVs secretly tracks what you watch to feed targeted ads, raising privacy concerns and potential security risks. It provides brand-specific, step-by-step instructions to disable ACR on Samsung, LG, Sony, Hisense, and TCL/Roku TVs, and notes that turning off ACR may reduce personalized features and might require periodic rechecks after software updates.
TikTok’s January 2026 update to its Terms of Service and Privacy Policy accompanies its shift to a U.S.-based ownership structure. The changes largely preserve existing data practices but add explicit language about collecting precise location data (subject to user settings) and handling sensitive information (race, religion, immigration status, health) in line with laws like the CCPA. The policy also expands third-party advertising use of data and introduces a new AI section with labeling requirements and restrictions on generative AI tools. While some users fear expanded surveillance under the new ownership, TikTok says the updates comply with applicable privacy laws and reflect ongoing content-and-data governance updates.
TikTok’s new privacy policy, enacted after its ownership shifted to a US-backed entity, allows collecting precise GPS location, logs AI-tool prompts and outputs, and broadens its ads network, with users prompted to accept the updated terms.
A Polk County man, Phil Siefke, sues Toyota and its Connected Analytics unit, alleging telematics collect and sell highly detailed driving data (location, speed, braking, seatbelt status, and even image/voice data) to third parties like Progressive; a judge ordered arbitration, but Siefke continues pursuing a path for a class-action and stronger privacy protections.
Yahoo is part of the Yahoo family of brands and uses cookies and personal data for various purposes including site functionality, security, analytics, personalized advertising, and content measurement, with options for users to manage their privacy settings.
Yahoo is part of the Yahoo family of brands and uses cookies and personal data for various purposes including site functionality, security, analytics, and personalized advertising, with options for users to manage their privacy settings.
Yahoo is part of the Yahoo family of brands and uses cookies and personal data for various purposes including site functionality, security, analytics, and personalized advertising, with options for users to manage their privacy settings.
Yahoo is part of the Yahoo family of brands and uses cookies and personal data for various purposes including site functionality, security, analytics, and personalized advertising, with options for users to manage their privacy settings.
Yahoo is part of the Yahoo family of brands and uses cookies and personal data for various purposes including site functionality, security, analytics, and personalized advertising, with options for users to manage their privacy settings.
Yahoo is part of the Yahoo family of brands and uses cookies and personal data for various purposes including site functionality, security, analytics, and personalized advertising, with options for users to manage their privacy settings.