Samsung TVs stop spying on viewers in Texas. Here’s how to disable ACR anywhere
Samsung has settled a lawsuit in Texas over its smart TVs' Automated Content Recognition (ACR) technology, which was found to collect and monetize viewing data. This development means Samsung TVs in Texas will cease this specific form of "spying," with the article also detailing how users anywhere can disable ACR.
Strategic Impact: This lawsuit and settlement underscore the increasing regulatory and legal pressure on companies regarding user data collection, particularly from ubiquitous IoT and smart devices. For CISOs and security leaders, this highlights the critical need for comprehensive data privacy programs, transparent consent mechanisms, and robust data governance frameworks. It reinforces that organizations must prioritize user privacy as a core component of their security posture to mitigate significant legal, financial, and reputational risks.
Key Takeaway: This legal action sets a precedent for enhanced user control and privacy protection against pervasive data collection by smart devices.
Posted Mar 2, 2026, 4:02 PM UTC