US Senators Edward J Markey (D-Mass.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), members of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, are requesting that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) launch an investigation into the privacy policies and practices of Smart TV manufacturers.

They note that Smart TVs can track the content users are watching, but manufacturers may not provide sufficient information about their privacy practices, leaving many Smart TV users unaware of the extent to which their televisions are collecting sensitive information about their viewing habits. For example, recent reports suggest that Smart TVs can identify users’ political affiliations based on whether they watch conservative or liberal media outlets. Data shows that by the end of 2017, approximately 45 per cent of television households in the United States had at least one smart TV.

“Regrettably, Smart TV users may not be aware of the extent to which their televisions are collecting sensitive information about their viewing habits,” write Senators Markey and Blumenthal. “Televisions have entered a new era, but that does not mean that users’ sensitive information no longer deserves protection.”

In their letter, Senators Markey and Blumenthal note that Congress has long recognised the unique privacy concerns raised by companies tracking and collecting information about the content viewers watch on television. However, existing privacy rules for cable and satellite television do not cover data companies using Internet connectivity to track Smart TV users’ viewing habits. In 2017, after investigating VIZIO, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of Smart TVs, the FTC reached an agreement with the company regarding data collection and consumer consent. The Senators note the FTC previous work on Smart TVs and call on the Commission to continue the effort.

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