At home, we use our smart TV extensively, which I have already spoken to you about several times, an entry-level TCL with Android TV so average that we found the solution by purchasing a Chromecast with Google TV 4K: the services streaming like Filmin, HBO Max, Netflix, Prime Video, IPTV lists with channels from all over the world and also sports, mainly soccer and paddle tennis. Considering the benefit we get from it, we decided a few months ago install and use a VPN on our smart TV.
About geo-restricted content
I agree that one of the main reasons we decided to use a VPN on our smart TV was open the catalogs of different streaming services or even access other platforms. Two examples: to watch BBC iPlayer, the jewel of British broadcasting and available only on the IP of this territory, or to watch films or series available only in the USA by configuring the VPN to use it as if you were in the USA. UNITED STATES. States.
Here I took a bucket of cold water and first of all, I want to make a warning: there are streaming platforms whose contract specifically mentions that Using a VPN violates its terms and conditionsAs with account sharing, you take the risk and it is at your own risk.
When I tried to watch content from Netflix USA, I had a nasty surprise: it didn’t work, because Platforms generally block VPN IPs. I haven’t tried much else but it’s still a game of cat and mouse: depending on the location chosen and the VPN, there may be better luck.
Even though having more content didn’t go as well as I thought it would, Using a VPN on my Smart TV is still a great idea.
This is what Netflix tells me when I open it with a VPN
confidentiality
In fact, the main reason for having a VPN on TV is more of a privacy issue than any other reason. And in general, this applies to any device connected to the Internet.
When we use the Internet on a TV, mobile or tablet (to name just a few common devices), it is recorded about what we do and other personal and private information. Who has access to this data? From the company that provides us with Internet services to the TV manufacturer.
With a VPN, my data and activity is anonymized to potential companies for their analysis, marketing or any other subsequent activity.
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Avoid personalized advertising
This point is the continuation and direct consequence of the previous one. Thanks to this monitoring of our viewing habits, preferences as well as personal data are possible create profiles.
The personal information collected if we use Smart TV without VPN is valuable on different levels, but one of the most important is commercial: potentially interesting content, services and products that we can buy… but for this it is essential to know our interests.
Without a VPN, they have my profile and can offer personalized adsmuch more effective than generics.
An additional layer of security
If you use Smart TV without VPN, different companies have access to my activity and private information and they have a security breach or suffer an attackThis will make it easier for my data to fall into the wrong hands.
With this valuable information in their possession, hackers trying activities like logging into my accounts is much easier. With a VPN and anonymized data, it will be more difficult for them to achieve this.
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