Samsung is big in the news this week, and it's Internet-connected SmartTV is to blame. The company, along with many others, are warning users that it might be a good idea to keep their secrets to themselves while using the device. The SmartTV, which works with voice recognition to identify the user's watching needs, may be using its technology to pick up on personal information, and using it for ulterior motives. So, basically this sucks, but, what did we expect? If we get paranoid about Facebook using our information to target advertisers, or our Xbox Kinect camera spying on us, why wouldn't we think a listening television would be listening?

Samsung itself has stated,

“Please be aware that if your spoken words include personal or other sensitive information, that information will be among the data captured and transmitted to a third party through your use of voice recognition”

Wow. Anyone else reminded of George Orwell's 1984? The feature that allows you to turn your device on and off, change channels, perform online searches and other functions by listening to your voice, is also taking your personal convos into consideration (Fortune). Wondering what the third party is? Well, Samsung confirmed to BBC that this third party is a firm called Nuance, a company specializing in voice recognition in order to return the customer's requested content to the screen. But, Samsung claims it does not retain voice data or sell the audio being captured.

According to BBC, a similar situation happened a couple years back with LG, whose Internet-connected television also ran into issues with collecting data. Apparently, an IT consultant from the UK had confirmation that his LG TV was in fact taking collecting information about his viewing history and habits. Due to an outcry after this happened, LG created software updates that ensured customers there was no data collection happening.

Looks like Samsung is going to have to make a similar move if they don't want a downpour of complaints. For now, the company is ensuring customers of their ability to disable the voice recognition feature located on the remote control, as well as disconnecting from the Internet. So, basically, if you don't want to be spied on, just have a regular TV? Could have just told us that to begin with.