I am a little late to the game on this one, but it is well worth making sure everyone that can see this, does.
New technology would allow cable companies to look directly into users' homes to monitor their viewing habits and reactions to advertisements shown on TV, via cameras and microphones in your cable box.
Mass. Democrat, Representative Michael Capuano, introduced a bill, the "We Are Watching You Act, to prohibit the technology on boxes and collection of information absent consumer permission.
Via the YouTube details:
The bill would also require companies that do use the data to show "we are watching you" messages on the screen and to explain just what kinds of information is being captured and for what reasons, AdWeek reported.
The technology includes cameras and microphones that are installed on DVRs or cable boxes and analyzes viewers' responses, behaviors and statements to various ads — and then provides advertisements that are targeted to the particular household.
Specifically, the technology can monitor sleeping, eating, exercising, reading and more, AdWeek reported.
"This may sound preposterous, but it's neither a joke nor an exaggeration," said Mr. Capuano in a statement, AdWeek reported. "These DVRs would essentially observe consumers as they watch television as a way to super-target ads. It is an incredible invasion of privacy."
Does anyone doubt, for one second, that if cable companies can look right into your home, the government will be spying as well?