Pretty much everyone has a streaming device these days, whether it’s a Roku, Fire Stick, Apple TV or Chromecast. They make watching Netflix, Hulu, Max and dozens of other services way too easy (in the best way). But most people don’t realize that those same devices are quietly watching you too.
Behind the scenes, most smart TVs and streaming platforms collect data about what you watch, when you watch it, and how you interact with their apps. From the streaming stick to the TV itself, that information is used to “personalize your experience”-which usually means more targeted ads and curated recommendations.
Sure, those ads might help keep your device affordable, but all that background tracking adds up. If you’re uncomfortable with companies tracking your viewing habits, it might be time to dig into your settings and regain some control.
Here’s what we found and what you can do about
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