this post was submitted on 24 Jan 2024
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There's a company which will give you a >40in LCD smart TV to keep, for as long as you want it, with the catch that the second screen that comes with the TV (it's a screen that is a couple of inches tall and spans the width of the device) is on at all times and only plays ads.
There's also a camera that actively films you and records your audio, video. It's also on all the time.
The company makes it clear that they're giving you a free, very well specced TV with all the amenities, and in return they'll collect your data. It's surprising how many people (who otherwise can't afford a TV) said yes.
Found it
That's wild to me. I'd rather eat my own flesh than be subjected to forced ad viewing.
TVs are historically cheap. I'm not trying to dunk on the poor but I just can't see how that invasion of privacy is worth $300.
We have the privilege of being able to make those sorts of calls.
If I couldn't afford to provide my kids with any luxuries I can imagine jumping at this.
You can get a TV for as low as 79 from bestbuy
What would stop someone from putting a piece of cloth over the lower screen? And GAH! Never, no, get me outa here!!
Apparently they review the second screen via the camera. Any attempts to hide/block/hack/break the second screen would result in a breach of contract, which results in a charge for the full price of the TV and extra on top for damages/breach of terms etc.
You're made to sign a few documents before you receive your TV. I suspect they've covered all angles
So one way you can think about it is this. The people who traded thier info for the tv can't sell thier info for anywhere near that value. So they got a good deal. The reality is that all our info is already out there some where anyway. So these breaches mean very little anymore. It's getting to the point that an contract agreed to where identity is verified by personal info will be easy to challenge in court.