this post was submitted on 13 Dec 2025
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HDMI does have an Ethernet function. It is theoretically possible to have another device route traffic behind your back via that. But there’s zero legit and reason to do this when adding WiFi to the TV is cheaper and less complex so it would absolutely invite lawsuits.
What's even scarier (and I legit thing more likely) is despite the fact that either after firewalling off a smart tv's IP/Mac or using Pi-Hole to keep it from using the ad side of things and locking down firmware updates, that newer TVs seem increasingly likely to include antennas for 5G and connect to a fucking "partner" network for "free" to share revenue. It won't matter if you never connect it to the internet - it will just spy even if you don't use it's apps. Oh, and most new tvs have microphones (on the remote, but who knows about elsewhere). I'm not sure about cameras, but I wouldn't be shocked.
If we get to the 5G era a faraday cage is simple enough to ruin that without wrecking the warentee.
We need open source TVs.
Yep I was horrified to find my tv had a microphone. Physical switch to disable it at least (as long as it actually does disable it). And only using the dumb remote it came with, the smart remote with the mic lives in the drawer, has never seen a battery.