It looks like the TVs are scanning for accessible WANs on their own, and they still store some data (I'm not sure what happens when they reach full capacity.)

Don't worry, these companies are working on a way around that, too. https://vi-control.net/community/threads/lg-monitors-silently-trigger-malware-installation-on-windows.173754/

I just got a new smart TV that we'll never connect to wifi, however I worry now that the Google tv device I have connected to it may pass some data to it. I wouldn't put it past these slimy fucks. Even if it's illegal (not sure if it is but it should be) they still might do it.

I can totally imagine them establishing some two way connection so that the Google tv is providing data to the original manufacturer of the TV as a mutually beneficial spy program.

Yup.

I'm stuck with a smart TV, but it's from Pre-LLM days. I don't use the smart TV app or connect it to the web. I've also got the AI features ("Ad Personalization", etc.) turned off by default, just because it pleases me.

Well, technically, it is smarter than a lot of people think; "smart" ≠ "moral!"

But yeah, definitely just use an HDMI cable. They're harmless that way.

Thanks for reminding me to block my new vizio from the wifi.

they always did shady stuff. the difference is that they are losing international public support so it's safer to publish that stuff

Past few? They literally started as a bunch of whiners gaslighting other countries for compensations and pity and playing victim.

Cheating with a save state just out of frame, doesn't count.

even without shady stuff. it's just common sense. disconnect the 'computer' from the 'display' so you don't need to replace both when the 'computer' becomes obsolete--and it will, usually, before the 'display' quits working. don't connect it. if you want 'smart tv' functionality, get a cheaper and easier-to-replace streaming device of your choice instead.

beware of models or brands you have to go online with just to 'set up'. more and more are 'requiring' internet access and/or an 'account' just to turn on and use as a 'dumb' display.