Vizio Fined $2.2 Million for Spying

Vizio actually makes some pretty solid products for the price, and they even have SMART features that we expect to find on top-tier companies. Unlike these companies however, Vizio made no mention that firmware upgrades on older TVs (done automatically) would enable those units to spy on and collect user data. 

It did provide Vizio with a wonderful new way to collect and store a huge variety of consumer data under the pretense of adding consumer functionality. MAC addresses, IP addresses, nearby WiFi network names, metadata were all hoovered up and stored. And when the FTC says viewing data, it means that Vizio used pixel analysis to compile personal data on every program and device connected to the Vizio set.

Source: TechDirt