Why Apple TV Is a Smarter Choice for Privacy-Conscious Viewers

In today's world of smart devices, one hidden threat to privacy is something called ACR – Automatic Content Recognition. It’s a feature embedded in many Smart TVs that quietly monitors what you’re watching, often by taking screen captures and matching them against databases to identify content. Whether you're streaming a movie, watching cable TV, or playing from a USB stick, your TV might be reporting your viewing habits back to the manufacturer or third-party advertisers.

What Is ACR and Why Should You Care?

ACR stands for Automatic Content Recognition. It’s a technology used by many Smart TVs (like Samsung, LG, Vizio) to track the content on screen – regardless of the source. It works by analyzing screenshots of what’s being watched and sending this data to servers. This data is then used to serve targeted ads or sold to advertisers. The worrying part? This often happens even if you're watching through HDMI input, not a built-in app.

Enter Apple TV: A Privacy-Friendly Alternative

Unlike many Smart TVs, Apple TV does not use ACR. It doesn’t scan or screenshot what’s on your screen. Apple’s privacy policy emphasizes minimal data collection and local (on-device) processing.

With Apple TV, your activity within apps (like Netflix or Apple TV+) is kept private and, importantly, not shared without your explicit permission. Apple also avoids cross-app tracking and offers settings to restrict personalization and analytics further.

If you disconnect your Smart TV from the internet and use Apple TV as your only connected device, your television becomes a simple display, reducing the risk of hidden surveillance by the TV itself.

How to Make Apple TV Even More Private

To boost your privacy further, consider these adjustments:

1. Turn Off Analytics and Tracking

Go to: Settings > General > Privacy

• Disable "Share Apple TV Analytics"

• Disable "Share App Analytics"

• Disable "Improve Siri & Dictation"

2. Disable Cross-App Tracking

Go to: Settings > General > Privacy > Tracking

• Turn off "Allow Apps to Request to Track"

3. Limit Apple Advertising

Go to: Settings > General > Privacy > Apple Advertising

• Enable "Limit Ad Tracking" (or "Limit Personalized Ads")

4. Review App Permissions

Go to: Settings > Apps > [Each App]

• Disable location access, microphone, or background activity if not needed.

5. Disable Viewing History (Optional)

Go to: Settings > Apps > TV

• Turn off "Use Viewing History"

• Turn off "Connected Apps for TV"

Use DNS to Block Ads and Trackers

To further strengthen your privacy setup, use AdGuard DNS. It blocks ads, trackers, and malicious sites at the DNS level — no apps or extensions needed.

Recommended DNS Settings:

AdGuard DNS Standard (blocks ads and trackers):

• Primary: 94.140.14.14

• Secondary: 94.140.14.15

Set this DNS manually under: Settings > Network > Wi-Fi > [Your Network] > Configure DNS > Manual

Final Thoughts: The Ideal Setup

If you’re serious about reducing data collection:

• Use your Smart TV only as a display (no internet connection)

• Connect an Apple TV for streaming

• Use AdGuard DNS for additional protection

• Adjust privacy settings on Apple TV to minimize data sharing

  
  

While Apple TV isn’t the only solution, it strikes a good balance between convenience and privacy. It gives you modern streaming capabilities without the silent surveillance many Smart TVs impose. That’s a trade-off worth considering.