Two Fifths of Consumers Reject 'Spy' TV Cameras

Few consumers are keen on the idea of the introduction of cameras and sensors which allow TVs to identify who is watching which TV content, according to results of a survey conducted by data and analytics business consulting firm Strategy Analytics.

For the online survey conducted last month, Strategy Analytics interviewed a sample of 2,062 people in the US and 4,118 in Europe, aged 15-74 and weighted by country, age, gender and Internet use. The resulting 'TV Watching You: Attitudes and Concerns' report highlights that 43% of people would either never allow a camera or sensing device to be connected to their TV, or would probably never be convinced that such technologies could be beneficial.

But 14% of respondents said they would not mind if their TV viewing behavior was observed and data collected, and a further 20% said that while they had some reservations, they would not object if it meant that the TV service improved significantly.

The study also found that negative sentiments towards cameras are strongest with older, female and lower income demographics, and the country with the strongest resistance is Germany. Those who are more favorable towards TV cameras and sensors tend to use the TV less than those who are heavy TV viewers.

Principal Analyst David Mercer (pictured) comments: 'Technology is advancing rapidly to the stage where highly detailed information on television viewing behavior could be collected by TVs. Our research suggests that technology vendors and TV service providers will have to approach this new business opportunity with caution if they are to prevent viewers reaching for the off button.'

Web site: www.strategyanalytics.com .

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.