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A new report from the Center for Digital Democracy (CDD) has raised alarm bells about the streaming TV industry, accusing it of operating a vast data-driven surveillance apparatus that threatens consumer privacy and protections. Titled “How TV Watched Us: Commercial Surveillance in the Streaming Era,” the 48-page report outlines how popular streaming services have transformed television into a sophisticated tool for monitoring and targeting viewers.
According to the report, leading streaming platforms, connected TV (CTV) device manufacturers, and smart TV producers have partnered with data brokers to compile extensive digital databases on viewers. These dossiers are based on identity information, viewing habits, purchasing patterns, and a myriad of online and offline behaviors. This extensive data collection enables the industry to employ manipulative AI-driven advertising tactics that exploit consumer behavior.
The report highlights the role of Free Advertiser-Supported TV (FAST) channels, such as Tubi and Pluto TV, as key players in this data monetization strategy. With techniques like real-time virtual product placement enhanced by generative AI, the industry can deliver highly interactive and targeted advertising experiences.
The report warns that ad-tech and tracking tools facilitate personalized political campaigns and the potential spread of disinformation. Jeff Chester, the report’s co-author, labels CTV a “privacy nightmare,” indicating that it plays a central role in a digital surveillance ecosystem that shapes online experiences.
In response to these findings, the CDD has urged policymakers, including the Federal Trade Commission and the California Attorney General, to implement regulations that safeguard consumer privacy.
As the streaming TV landscape continues to evolve, the findings of the CDD report serve as a crucial reminder of the need for vigilance regarding consumer privacy. With the integration of sophisticated surveillance techniques and targeted advertising, viewers must be aware of how their data is being used.
