Traditional smart TVs have revolutionized the way we consume content, but they often come with limitations imposed by proprietary software and a lot of data leak, from big tech streaming services. In 2023, Apple released fixes for three different vulnerabilities that made it possible for bad actors to hack Apple devices. Back in 2021, another bad security vulnerability could have allowed bad actors to record calls and messages and even turn the device camera and microphone on without the user knowing.
So far in 2023 alone, Amazon has been been charged by the FTC in the US for violating children’s privacy laws by keeping kids voice recordings and location data for years and undermining parent’s deletion requests of their kids data. This resulted in Amazon agreeing to pay a $25 million penalty.
And let’s not even start the conversation about What types of data does Google Chrome Cast gather from you?
Well, there’s the collection of voice recordings triggered when you say, “Hey Google, what are the symptoms of a panic attack?”
While Google assures users that these voice recordings won’t be utilized for personalized ads, they do acknowledge that transcripts of your voice interactions with your Google smart speaker might be used for such purposes. Additionally, Google compiles data such as your location, details about nearby devices like Wi-Fi access points and Bluetooth-enabled devices, your communication contacts, purchase history, voice and audio inputs, your preferred songs on Spotify, your search history, inquiries made to Google, the timing of smart home activities like turning on lights or operating a robot vacuum, and much more.
Open source smart TVs, on the other hand, break free from these constraints and privacy penalties by embracing collaborative development, transparency, and user empowerment. This shift in paradigm has led to a surge in interest from both developers and users alike. Because Open source smart TVs allow users to tailor their viewing experience according to their preferences. Whether it’s modifying the user interface, adding new features, or installing third-party applications, the level of customization is unparalleled.
Open source software is subject to rigorous scrutiny by the community, making it more resilient to security threats. Users can have greater confidence in the security of their smart TVs, knowing that vulnerabilities are quickly identified and addressed by the community.
Presently, I lack information about smart TV software that prioritizes privacy. If you have knowledge of any such software, kindly submit a Pull Request or open an issue.
#PRVCYTipps
The software listed below does not function as an Operating System; instead, it consists of apps compatible with nearly any OS. These privacy-respecting apps provide functionalities akin to those found in Smart TVs.
For an optimal setup, consider connecting a Raspberry Pi 4 running a GNU/Linux operating system to your TV. Then, install tools like KDE Connect to manage media controls from your phone.
Kodi: Formerly known as XBMC, is an open source media center that can be installed on a variety of platforms, including smart TVs. It provides a versatile and customizable interface for accessing and organizing media content.
OSMC:Is a free and open source media center built for the people, by the people. This project provides a foundation for manufacturers to build their own customized Android TV experiences while benefiting from the extensive Android app ecosystem.
Conclusion:
Open source smart TVs are a testament to the collaborative spirit of the tech community. By embracing openness, customization, and community-driven development, these smart TVs offer a glimpse into a future where users have unprecedented control over their entertainment experience. As the ecosystem continues to evolve, the possibilities are limitless, promising a television experience that goes beyond the confines of proprietary software. It’s an exciting era for smart TV enthusiasts, as the open source revolution unfolds on the big screen.
