Ever have the feeling that you're being watched? If you have one of Samsung's 2012 HDTVs, that could be more than just a paranoid feeling -- at least according to Gary Merson, the self-proclaimed HD Guru.
Today, Merson takes a lengthy look at Samsung's plasma and LED lineup, with specific focus on the new built-in HD camera, which is a new perk on select 2012 models. The built-in camera is accompanied by two microphones, as well as face tracking and speech recognition features. Sets with this new option will allow users to keep in touch with loved ones like never before, with larger-than-life HD right out of the box. No add-ons are needed.
Merson, however, sees the feature in a slightly different, slightly more invasive way. He says that this option "may allow hackers or even Samsung to see and hear you and your family, and collect extremely personal data!" He then goes into a long list of possible ways that everyone from companies to hackers could get at your family and maybe even your friends.
He also tells one commenter that covering up the camera with something like Blu-Tack should be as effective as covering up a Terminator with, well... Blu-Tack. "Fine for a camera, you also want to try to clog up the microphones and hope they will continue to function after you remove the putty?" he says. "What about your searches, viewing habits, apps, usage time etc.?"
Yes, Merson fears that your TiVo box, your Facebook account, and even your TV warranty info could be at risk. "No, we are not going to honor your warranty sir. We saw your three-year-old -- Jimmy, is it? -- swing that bat at the screen and that is not considered normal wear and tear." Is he wrong? Samsung isn't saying. Merson asked the company to comment on the set's privacy features or the company's privacy policies, to no avail.
While it's unclear what effects this new feature may have on privacy, Samsung says that these options are designed to personalize calling, as well as the viewer experience. With face recognition, it can log you into your specific Facebook account, Netflix queue and Pandora stations without the need to hit any keys on your remote. And since the camera can actually track and recognize faces, it could potentially target users with specific new Samsung apps for fun or productivity purposes. On the flip side, it could also target viewers with viewer-specific advertisements.
If you don't mind putting it all out there in the name of entertainment, take a peek at Samsung's 8000 Series plasma HDTVs, as well as the 7500 and 8000ES Series LEDs for 2012. Merson says that the PN51E8000, PN60E8000 and PN64E8000 plasmas and the UN46ES7500, UN50ES7500, UN55ES7500, UN46ES8000, UN55ES8000, UN60ES8000 and UN65ES8000 LEDs all have the new built-in HD camera feature.
Some of these models have started shipping (see below), with the rest expected over the next few weeks.
**Update** A Samsung spokesperson sent the following response to our article:
"Samsung takes all concerns regarding consumer privacy and information security very seriously. In all of our Smart TVs, including our new 2012 LED and Plasma TVs featuring built-in camera and microphone components, Samsung employs industry-standard security safeguards and practices (including data encryption) to secure consumers' personal information and prevent its unauthorized collection or use.
Samsung also ensures consumers have the opportunity to review the terms of the company's Privacy Policy prior to using Samsung's Smart TV services.
The camera and microphone are integrated into the TV to provide users with innovative new ways to control the TV. They may also be used for video conference and speech-to-text services offered by third parties, in which case the audio and video data is transmitted to the service providers' servers and does not pass through Samsung servers. Images captured in order to use the facial recognition feature are stored in a secure manner on the owner's TV only. Should the TV owner choose not to use these features, the camera and microphone can be disabled. Users can check if the camera and microphone are activated from the TV's settings menu. As an added precaution, the camera can be rotated and tucked into the bezel of the TV. Once tucked away, the camera only captures a black image.
Samsung is dedicated to instilling consumer confidence in this matter."
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