What Vizio Did
The FTC and New Jersey’s attorney general found that Vizio used automated content recognition (ACR) software in its smart TVs to capture, second by second, what viewers watched — from cable, streaming, DVDs and more — on about 11 million televisions, without telling owners or getting consent. Vizio even pushed the tracking software onto some TVs that had been sold without it. It then attached demographic details and sold the viewing data to advertisers.
The complaint noted the software captured up to 100 billion data points a day — a detailed picture of households’ viewing lives.
The Settlement
In 2017, Vizio agreed to pay $2.2 million to settle the charges — $1.5 million to the FTC and $1 million to New Jersey (part suspended) — and to delete data collected before a set date. Crucially, it also had to prominently disclose its viewing-data collection and get consent, separate from a buried privacy policy. The case was an early, influential marker that smart-TV tracking is a privacy issue regulators will enforce.
It reshaped how TV makers disclose ACR and gave consumers an opt-out to look for.
What Smart-TV Owners Should Know
Most smart TVs still use ACR-style tracking, usually enabled by default. You can typically turn it off in the privacy settings — look for options named something like “viewing information,” “ACR,” or the brand’s tracking feature — to limit what your television reports about what you watch.
Before You Act
Thinking About Filing a Claim?
Most plaintiff lawyers offer a free initial consultation and work on contingency, meaning no fee unless there is a recovery. LawsuitWatch is not a law firm: we publish explainers, and we do not provide legal advice, representation or referrals. Your state bar directory is the reliable place to find and verify a lawyer.
Vizio Smart TV Lawsuit: The Viewing-Data Tracking Case: Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions about this case and your legal options.
What is the Vizio smart TV lawsuit about?
Regulators found Vizio used ACR software to track what 11 million smart-TV owners watched, without consent, and sold the data to advertisers. Vizio paid $2.2 million and had to disclose the tracking.
How much did Vizio pay?
$2.2 million in 2017 — $1.5 million to the FTC and $1 million to New Jersey (partly suspended) — plus data deletion and new disclosure and consent requirements.
How do I stop my smart TV from tracking me?
Most smart TVs let you disable ACR-style tracking in the privacy settings, often labeled 'viewing information' or 'ACR.' It is frequently on by default.
Legal Disclaimer
This article is general legal information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Case status, eligibility criteria, and any amounts described are as reported at the date shown and may change. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction about your own situation.