LG's recent software update has forcibly installed Microsoft Copilot, an AI assistant, on smart TVs without removal options, sparking widespread user backlash over privacy, bloatware, and loss of control. This highlights growing tensions in smart devices, where monetization often overrides user preferences.
If I want to avoid connecting my LG smart TV with my network, but I would like to still use a remote with an external device running Jellyfin plugged in via HDMI, what privacy respecting options do I have here? AFAIK, TV sticks run Android and can also collect your data, so my natural guess would be to plug in a device running Linux, but how about remote control?
Block your TV MAC address from accessing the internet at the router level. Local LAN phone apps will still control TV . but for streaming stuff you will want a raspberrypi loaded with Kodi or jellifin
a firewall with a very strict egress policy would probably be all you need