Is your TV spying on you?

Is your TV spying on you?

Sen. Chuck Schumer is warning consumers that new TV models have built-in cameras, microphones and internet connectivity — the same capabilities as computers — but have virtually no security, allowing hackers to break into them and spy on families in their living rooms or bedrooms.

Researchers have been able to hack into TVs with ease, allowing them to turn on cameras and microphones, spying on families’ living rooms and obtaining credit card numbers and other personal information, the senator said in a press release.

Schumer is calling on major television manufacturers to create a uniform standard of security to be used in all new internet- and video-enabled televisions that would prevent hackers from spying on consumers.

“You expect to watch TV, but you don’t want the TV watching you,” said Schumer. “Many of these smart televisions are vulnerable to hackers who can spy on you while you’re watching TV in your living room. Our computers have access to firewalls and other security blocks but these televisions do not and that’s why manufacturers should do everything possible to create a standard of security in their internet-connected products.”

The gaps in security create a problem for all manufacturers, and an industry-wide solution would reduce the cost and increase the ease with which it could be implemented, he said.

Manufacturers have suggested that to combat hackers, consumers put tape over the camera or unplug the TV when it’s not in use, but Schumer said the burden shouldn’t be on the consumers alone.

Pictured: The 60-inch Samsung LED  ‘smart’ HDTV with wifi, dual-core processor and web browser.