Is Your Streaming Device Tracking You?

Are you the proud owner of a streaming device, like a Fire Stick, Roku, Apple TV, or Chromecast? These gadgets make it incredibly easy to watch all your favorite shows on different apps. But did you know that while you’re binge-watching, your device might be keeping tabs on you too?

Smart TVs and streaming platforms often track your viewing habits, watching times, and app usage. They claim it’s to enhance your experience, but in reality, it usually means more targeted ads and suggestions based on algorithms. Those ads may help keep the cost of your device down, but all that behind-the-scenes tracking can add up over time.

If you’re not a fan of companies monitoring your viewing choices, it’s time to take back control by adjusting your settings. Let’s dive into what we discovered and how you can regain some privacy on your favorite streaming players.

Let’s start with Amazon Fire TV Stick. According to Amazon, they only collect limited data on how customers use third-party apps on Fire TV. They track things like the frequency and duration of app usage to help with service and device improvements. However, they claim not to collect information on what you specifically watch in those third-party apps. Additionally, Amazon also gathers data on how you use your device and its features, such as navigating the home screen and selecting device settings.

To limit the amount of data Fire TV collects, follow these steps:
– Go to Settings > Preferences > Privacy Settings.
– Disable Device Usage Data.
– Switch off Collect App Usage Data.
– Opt-out of Interest-based data collection.

Taking these steps can help you feel more in control of your viewing data and privacy on your Amazon Fire TV Stick. Stay tuned for more tips on how to protect your privacy on other popular streaming devices.