Apple tv and security from “smart” tv’s

Question

Level 1

17 points

Apple tv and security from “smart” tv’s

My old Apple TV had 4 inputs including Ethernet. I have read that connecting Apple TV between tv and ISP worked as a buffer if you wanted to bypass the TV “smart” snooping.

First is that true?

I want to get a new television but want to avoid all of the tv built in snooping crap.

Wife bought a 4K Apple TV but it has no ethernet. Do I need one with? It only has power and hdmi.

what new TV’s have least snooping.

Completely clueless on this.

Any help?

Thanks

Apple TV 4K (3rd generation)

Posted on Apr 12, 2023 11:42 AM

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Answer 1

Urquhart1244

Level 10

147,642 points

Apr 13, 2023 6:17 AM in response to JeffT

… bypass the TV “smart” snooping.

The use of an Apple TV box bypasses all ‘smart’ functionality of a TV. (Turn off ACR on the TV anyway.) To the TV, Apple TV is just an HDMI input, and the TV is supposedly unaware of the content. Instead you put trust in the connected device. Use of third party services may still collect data on you and your use, governed by each of those privacy policies. But that is apps, not the device itself, and would be the same on TVs, TV-connected devices, and non-TV devices alike. Live TV (linear TV) has more non-technical reasons to track users, as that is all about ads. (Nielson’s ratings is just one aspect of that, and they’re slammed for inaccuracies and irregularities in measuring.)

Wi-Fi or ethernet would be the same for this. Apple TV offers both to users, so that users can connect how they prefer, for a variety of reasons, but unrelated to tracking/privacy. Sending information to remote servers, when supported/allowed, is possible through Wi-Fi or ethernet indifferently.

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Answer 2

hcsitas

Level 6

13,970 points

Apr 12, 2023 12:13 PM in response to JeffT

That would amount to speculation - not allowed here. The latest ATVs let you choose if you want Ethernet or not, it’s now optional. If your WiFi works fine, feel free to opt out.

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Answer 3

JeffT Author

Level 1

17 points

Apr 12, 2023 12:12 PM in response to hcsitas

I don’t recall specifically but certainly on one of the many articles about bypassing all the “smart” intrusions on new tv’s.

if Ethernet isn't required then why do so many versions of Apple TV have Ethernet inputs?

those were old articles which do not cover new devices

hence my inquiry

Do you have anything helpful to say?

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Answer 4

Apr 13, 2023 6:20 AM in response to JeffT

JeffT wrote:

if Ethernet isn't required then why do so many versions of Apple TV have Ethernet inputs?

No one here in this user-to-user forum would be able to say why Apple does or does not do something. You can certainly try contacting Apple using the Support link at the bottom left of every page of these forums.

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