Digital Freedom

But the devices — equipped with cameras, microphones and, in some cases, facial recognition technology — are often poorly secured by their manufacturers compared to computers or smartphones, the FBI warned last week. That opens up the technology to cybercriminals who can exploit the vulnerability to access home routers, TechCrunch reported.

"Beyond the risk that your TV manufacturer and app developers may be listening and watching you, that television can also be a gateway for hackers to come into your home," read a warning from the government bureau released just before the Black Friday holiday shopping weekend.