VPNs on Smart TVs: real privacy benefits and limits

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) creates an encrypted tunnel between a device and a remote server, masking the user’s real IP address. This protects privacy from the Internet service provider, secures data on public Wi‑Fi, and lets users access their own subscriptions while traveling abroad. However, a VPN does not legalise the use of unauthorised IPTV content and does not shield users from the legal consequences under French law.

When a VPN is used on a Smart TV, the TV’s manufacturer can still collect device details, settings, an advertising identifier and usage data. Some platforms, such as Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Disney+ and Apple TV, continue to see the user’s account activity, viewed titles, searches and watch time, regardless of the VPN. While certain VPN services block advertising domains and trackers, the ISP can often identify which VPN service is being used, even if it cannot see the specific sites visited.

Thus, a VPN enhances privacy for specific threats but does not provide total anonymity on Smart TVs, especially regarding content‑streaming services and device‑level data collection.