Samsung TVs under scrutiny. A researcher has uncovered disturbing tracking features!

Smart TVs can know far more about users than it might seem. A security researcher who gained full access to the Tizen system on a 2025 Samsung TV discovered mechanisms for analyzing sounds, recognizing the content being watched, and collecting data about the home network. His findings have sparked another debate about user privacy.

Does the TV analyze sounds and what you watch?

As reported by FlatpanelsHD, a researcher using the pseudonym log4j discovered mechanisms in Samsung's software that recognize sounds such as a dog barking or a baby crying. The TV can also detect microphones in connected devices, for example soundbars.

However, this does not mean Samsung is secretly recording all conversations. Some of these mechanisms are used in known features such as Pet Care and Family Care, and it has not been independently confirmed that TVs use external microphones without users' knowledge.

The researcher also pointed to ACR (Automatic Content Recognition) technology, which can identify content viewed on the screen, including material coming from devices connected via HDMI. The information collected can be used, among other things, to personalize ads.

Is disabling tracking enough?

Particular doubts were raised about how the privacy settings work. A researcher suspects that turning off the ACR feature does not always effectively stop data transmission.

Interestingly, a separate study by Northeastern University found that Tizen-powered TVs continued to communicate with servers linked to ACR even after tracking consent was withdrawn. However, due to encryption, it was not determined exactly what information was being sent.

Samsung says the ACR feature is optional and can be turned off in the privacy settings. Users can check the "Viewing Information Services" and personalized ads settings in the TV menu.

So far there is no evidence that all Samsung TVs are secretly eavesdropping. The reports do, however, illustrate how extensive data-analysis mechanisms in modern smart TVs can be.

Sources: FlatpanelsHD, Android Authority, Ars Technica