ACR is a technology that identifies what it is you’re watching on your TV. This applies to both visual and audio sources. This not only works for built-in apps but also anything connected through HDMI ports, like an Amazon Fire Stick or game consoles. You could be completely offline, connecting an old school DVD drive to your TV, and manufacturers can still steal that data.

Companies use ACR to learn what you like and don’t like and then use that information to hit you with ads or suggest content. But of course, it’s not just about suggesting things that you may like to watch. Manufacturers turn around and sell this data to companies to then use predatory tactics against you. It’s like a stalker in league with other stalkers — they learn all about you and then lure you in with the tantalizing appeal of consumerism.

If you think that’s bad, Gamers Nexus published a video back in September investigating a serious privacy issue that LG Smart TVs have — the microphone is on and actively listening, even when the screen is turned off. It also stores the recorded data when the TV is completely disconnected from the internet. Terrifying.

If you’d rather not have all of your personal information stolen from something as simple as a display, then you need to disable ACR immediately. Here’s how.

Unfortunately, some manufacturers turned to cleverly calling ACR something else entirely, and often hide the setting deep within a series of menus. I’m going to go over a few of them so you generally know what to look for.

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