Samsung's Smart TVs automatically track what you watch — including channels, shows, and ads — using ACR technology, and use this data to serve you targeted advertising. You can turn this off in your TV's settings.
This analysis describes what Samsung's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology
The provision establishes a data collection and use framework that enables Samsung to generate behavioral insights from television viewing patterns for commercial purposes. The inclusion of an opt-out mechanism creates a consent structure dependent on user action rather than default non-collection.
The updated policy expands Samsung's data collection authority to include device registration, verification for repairs, and configuration of device settings. The terms now explicitly state that Samsung may collect card and transaction information if you apply for a Samsung-branded payment card. Samsung clarified that it will only send personalized marketing when you have provided consent, where required by law. The policy removed its previous statement that defective devices are wiped of personal information before analysis; the updated terms now state Samsung will analyze returned defective devices without that explicit pre-analysis data deletion commitment. For US residents, the policy now discloses rights to opt out of sale of personal information, sharing for cross-context behavioral advertising, targeted advertising processing, sensitive data collection or processing, and to request lists of third parties receiving your information.
View change record →Samsung passively collects your TV viewing history including specific programs and advertisements watched, and uses this to build an advertising profile — this occurs by default unless you navigate to your TV's settings and disable Viewing Information Services.
Cross-platform context
See how other platforms handle Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) for Smart TV Viewing Data and similar clauses.
Compare across platforms →"Viewing Information: If you use a Samsung Smart TV, we collect information about the video content you view on the TV, such as the channels, programs, and advertisements you watch, through a technology called Automatic Content Recognition (ACR). We use this information to recommend content and to provide targeted advertising. You can opt out of ACR data collection by disabling 'Viewing Information Services' in your TV settings.Excerpt from Samsung's Privacy Policy
REGULATORY FRAMEWORK: This provision implicates the FTC Act Section 5 (15 U.S.C.
Enforcement risk, jurisdiction flags, contract triggers, and due diligence action items.
Get the research letter
Companies change their terms quietly. We read every version and catch what actually changed. One email a week on the changes that matter and what they mean.
The provision establishes a data collection and use framework that enables Samsung to generate behavioral insights from television viewing patterns for commercial purposes. The inclusion of an opt-out mechanism creates a consent structure dependent on user action rather than default non-collection.
Samsung passively collects your TV viewing history including specific programs and advertisements watched, and uses this to build an advertising profile — this occurs by default unless you navigate to your TV's settings and disable Viewing Information Services.
No. ConductAtlas is an independent monitoring service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Samsung.