Your smart TV could be spying on you and you should immediately cover its camera, FBI warns

Is your google box watching you? (Picture: Getty)

The television installed in the corner of your living room could spy on you.

People who bought a smart TV on Black Friday have been told to cover its camera with tape because it could allow spies, hackers or corporations to carry out covert surveillance in people's homes.

These devices connect to the Internet and allow you to use applications or streaming services.

But they also contain creepy surveillance devices, including cameras and microphones.

The FBI is so concerned about the privacy risks of smart TVs that it used an urgent advisory calling on people to be extra careful with their new gadgets.

He wrote: “Smart TVs are so called because they connect to the internet. They let you use popular streaming services and apps. Many also have microphones for those of us who are too lazy to pick up the remote. Just yell at your TV that you want to change channels or increase the volume and you're good to go.

“A number of newer televisions also have built-in cameras. In some cases, the cameras are used for facial recognition so the TV knows who is watching and can suggest appropriate programming. There are also devices in the market that allow you to video chat with grandma in a 42" glory.

'Beyond the risk of your TV manufacturer and app developers listening in and giving you a gateway for hackers to enter your home. A malicious cyber actor may not be able to gain direct access to your locked computer, but your unsecured TV may allow them easy access to the backdoor through your router.

Hackers can also take control of your unsecured TV. At the lower end of the risk spectrum, they can change channels, mess with the volume, and show your kids inappropriate videos. In the worst case scenario, they can turn on your bedroom TV camera and microphone and silently harass you.'

Here are the FBI's tips for making sure your smart TV isn't spying on you.

'Know exactly what features your TV has and how to control those features. Do a basic internet search with your model number and the words "microphone", "camera" and "privacy".

“Don't depend on default security settings. Change passwords if you can - and know how to disable microphones, cameras and the collection of personal information if possible. If you can't turn them off, ask yourself if you're willing to take the risk of buying that model or using that service.

'If you can't turn off a camera but want to, a simple piece of black tape over the camera eye is a back-to-basics option. Check the manufacturer's ability to update your device with security patches. Can they do this? Have they done this in the past?

“Check the TV manufacturer's privacy policy and the streaming services you use. Confirm what data they collect, how they store that data and what they do with it.'

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