(L-R) Donald Trump and Seth MeyersGetty ImagesIn an early morning rant, Donald Trump went off on Seth Meyers late-night NBC show, declaring that Comcast should pay a BIG price for shows that he calls political hits.In Trumps 1:24 a.m. ET post on Truth Social, he said that he had watched Meyers show recently. Meyers humor for years has been biting when it comes to Trump, with his segments also serving as a form of commentary.Related StoriesTrump wrote, How bad is Seth Meyers on NBC, a network run by a truly bad group of people Remember, they also run MSDNC. I got stuck watching Marble Mouth Meyers the other night, the first time in months, and every time I watch this moron I feel an obligation to say how dumb and untalented he is, merely a slot filler for the Scum that runs Comcast. These guys should be paying a lot of money for the right to give these in kind contributions to the Radical Left Democrat Party. These are not shows or entertainment, they are simply political hits, 100% of the time, to me and the Republican Party. Comcast should pay a BIG price for this!Trump has long bashed Comcast, NBC and MSNBC. During his first term, he suggested pulling the networks FCC license after he got angered by an NBC News report. Ajit Pai, who he appointed FCC chair, later noted that the agency licenses stations, not networks, and that news programming was protected by the First Amendment.Watch on DeadlineBut Trumps appointee as chair of the FCC during his next term, Brendan Carr, has suggested that the agency can examine complaints over news programming, including one that challenged the way that 60 Minutes edited an interview with Kamala Harris. He also bashed NBC for featuring Harris on Saturday Night Live in the final show before the election, warning that it was a violation of equal time rules. The network gave Trumps campaign time the next day, but Carr warned that other third-party candidates may have been denied airtime.Late Night with Seth Meyers has been in reruns this week. Trumps comments are a contrast to President Joe Bidens feelings about the show. Last year, he made an in-studio visit as the show marked its 10th anniversary.Comcast is in the midst of spinning off MSNBC and other cable assets, something that may require regulatory approval. But media companies have been eyeing the Trump administration as potentially more permissive when it comes to mergers and acquisitions. During Trumps first term, the Justice Department challenged AT&Ts merger with Time Warner, then the parent company of CNN. AT&T won the case, but a number of Time Warner executives believed that the transaction was challenged because Trump so despised the reporting of its subsidiary, CNN.In contrast, when Fox sought to sell many of its studio assets to Disney a horizontal transaction that eliminated competition from the landscape the transaction sailed through in just six months.Must Read StoriesGet our Breaking News Alerts and Keep your inbox happy.Sign Up20 CommentsLoading comments...

More To PlaygueMassive Skyrim mod inspired by The Witcher 3's Hearts of Stone gets an extra 20 hours added to its questline about the Dragonborn fighting a full-on plagueVersion 2.0 of Death Consumes All definitely looks to have made it close to as beefy as CD Projekt's DLC masterworks.Image credit: Anbeegod/Bethesda News by Mark Warren Senior Staff Writer Published on Jan. 14, 2025 There are plenty of absolutely huge Skyrim quest mods out there, and one that already had an entire plague that spreads like a real epidemic in it has just gotten a whole lot bigger, thanks to a new addition-filled overhaul. It's called Death Consumes All, and it's inspired by The Witcher 3's brilliant Hearts of Stone DLC.Now, you might have already played the original version of Death Consumes All, which came out back in 2020 has amassed over 100,000 total downloads on Nexus Mods since, as people looked at the 10-hour long branching and fully-voiced questline its creator Anbeegod had put together and said 'Don't mind if I do'.To see this content please enable targeting cookies. Since that point, the modder's been busy working on a fresh version of it that overhauls bascially everything, brining the length of the main questline up to about 30 hours in the process. It's just been released to the public, under the not too different title of 'Death Consumes All - DLC Quest Mod (Revamped)'.The premise is the same as its predecessor, a deadly plague is spreading across Skyrim via a gameplay systyem that's designed to mirror the spread of real-world epidemics, threatening "to consume all" and turn everyone into undead creatures. Alongside a fully-fledged follower called Livia Salvian, you've got to "combat fearsome enemies, discover the truth behind the terror, and decide the realm's fate".Watch on YouTubeThat said, with this new version of the mod, plenty has changed. Anbeegod writes that they've "completely revamped most of the original quests to give them much better flows, storytelling, and writing", as well as adding "new quests with deep storytelling and diverse choices" - including a fresh introductory quest - to bring the overall total up from "over 13" to "over 17". Aspects like the voice acting have also been improved as the total number of dialogue lines in the mod has gone up by 1000.They've also added in the ability to "toggle off the plague" and stop it from full-on killing people, which is something medieval peasants could really have done with back in the 14th century. The other tweaks should hopefully help battles feel better designed and balanced, as well as decrease the amount of bugs and mod conflicts you're likely to run into.It certainly looks cool if you're up for 30 hours of dark and grungy undead battling as your Dragonborn wonders what they did to deserve getting caught up in so many different apocalypses. Anbeegod has also suggested that "50% of this mod's donation points will be shared with the Doctors Without Borders to combat epidemics in real life", which is nice.

Physical release also confirmed.Classic JRPG fans, rejoice. The Lunar Remastered Collection will be coming to Nintendo Switch on 18th April 2025. Plus, it's confirmed that the collection will be getting a physical release.Launching digitally on the eShop for $49.99 USD / 49.99 EUR with physical releases coming in at $54.99 USD (on Amazon.com) and 54.99 EUR (at Clear River Games), Lunar Remastered Collection enhances two of the most beloved turn-based RPGs from the '90s.Read the full article on nintendolife.com

With less than a week left in office, President Joe Biden is not done leaving his mark on the AI industry.President Biden issued an executive order on Tuesday that will allow private sector AI companies to lease federal sites owned by the Department of Defense and Department of Energy in order to build AI data centers. Companies that build data centers on these sites will be required to bring online enough clean energy resources to match the electricity needed to power the data centers.This is not a grant program. AI companies that build data centers on these federal sites will need to pay the full cost to build, operate, and maintain them.In a press release, the White House said that this order is meant to strengthen and secure the U.S.s global leadership on AI and prevent domestic AI companies from depending on other countries to access AI tools and infrastructure. It added that the proper resources will be awarded for these departments to ensure they can inspect and approve bids for federal sites quickly and efficiently.The executive orders emphasis on renewable energy here seems notable. Data centers currently consume 4% of all the U.S.s power, according to the Electric Power Research Institute, and that figure is expected to grow to 9% by the end of the decade. Overall, data center power demand is expected to double over the next five years, according to a report by JLL.This executive order comes just one day after the Biden Administration announced a new set of rules and guidelines regarding AI chip exports that imposed further restrictions on a number of countries, including adversaries like China and Russia, while also imposing a 50,000 chip quota for the majority of the rest of the world.The caveat is that these orders come just a week before Donald Trump returns to the presidency, where he is expected to reverse a lot of Biden administration policies.

InterviewsRed One: Chris Waegner VFX Supervisor Sony Pictures ImageworksBy Vincent Frei - 14/01/2025 Back in 2019, Chris Waegner shared insights into Sony Pictures Imageworks visual effects work on Men in Black: International. Following that, he contributed to major productions, including Zombieland: Double Tap, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Spider-Man: No Way Home, and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.How was this new collaboration with Director Jake Kasdan and withVFXSupervisor Jerome Chen?The team at Sony Pictures Imageworks had a great experience working with Director Jake Kasdan and VFX Supervisor Jerome Chen. Early in the filmmaking process, the Imageworks team was asked to help with several creative aspects on the film which expanded our role. Our teams took on a larger pre-vis/post-vis role throughout the show helping them visualize new ideas and hash out existing concepts.How did you organizethework with yourVFXProducer?Our scope of work on the project grew quite exponentially. In situations like this, it is paramount to work together balancing available artist pool against production deadlines and final delivery of such a project.What arethesequences made by Sony Pictures Imageworks?We completed just over 700 shots on the project and some of our larger sequences were the Aruba Snowman Battle, Robot Fight, Globing of Jack and Dylan and the final Runway Battle with Gryla. Each of the sequences were so difference and had their own particular set of challenges.How did you approach balancing realism withthefantastical elementsofthestory?Theres always a challenge balancing realism and magical/fantastical elements in a movie like Red One. Its important to the filmmakers that the audience stays engaged with the story, therefore creative collaboration, close communication and frequent reviews with the Director and VFX Supervisor are critical.What werethebiggest challenges you faced in designing and animatingthekey characters and environments?One sequence that comes to mind is the Aruba Snowman Battle where theres this stunning visual juxtaposition of snowmen in the tropical setting of Aruba. It was a pretty big endeavor for our team to figure out how these snowmen assassins would move, let alone what these snowmen assassins would look like in this tropical beach location. Theres literally no practical or visual reference to rely upon because snowmen dont exist in hot tropical locations, so the Aruba Snowman Battle became a fun creative challenge for our teams.How did you collaborate with other departments, such as production design or costume, to ensure visual consistency?Since Imageworks was one of the initial creative vendors on the project, we were on location with the film crews at several different locations. We had early access to set designs, costume material booklets, hundreds of scans and tons of photo reference which is a wealth of knowledge when doing a film of this scale.What inspiredthedesignofthesnowmen, and how did you ensure they felt both magical and believable?Throughout the course of the show, the snowmen characters went through several different design iterations. Originally, their design had more of an ice ninja look but as animation testing progressed, they evolved into a more traditional snowman design. Each one having unique physical design characteristics, different ice weapon components and various traditional wardrobe accessories like a top hat, carrot nose, corncob pipe, etc.Could you elaborate ontheanimation process forthesnowmen? How did you bring their personalities to life?We started initial animation testing with the original character concept, a smaller leaner ice ninja design. It soon became apparent this design wasnt quite working as expected for our filmmakers so we started exploring several new snowman designs. These new snowmen design slowly evolved into a more traditional look and their physical presence became much larger in scale. Bringing the snowmen to life then became an iterative process for our animation team by determining how theyd move and emote. Each snowman also had a full facial rig but the extensive animation testing helped us determine if they emoted too much, they started looking cartoony and became less threatening. We then determined that a deadpan/stoic look with subtle facial movements worked well with their menacing physical qualities.Snow can be a challenging material to simulatehow did you achievetheright balanceoftexture and movement forthesnowmen?Working closely with our film makers we determined the snowmen could not be composed entirely of pure white fluffy snow. These big burly snowmen needed a unique look, which was a combination of snow, chucks of ice, dirt debris and fine ice crystals we also incorporated a subtle crystalline light scatter effect and some snowy subsurface details. As the sequence progresses, they also start accumulating more dirt, debris and little bits of the tropical environment stick to them.Were there any practical effects combined with CG forthesnowmen, or were they fully digital creations?Unfortunately, there werent a lot of practical affects we could utilize for the Snowman fight sequence due to their physical size and fight choreography, so for most of the sequence they were digital creations. The fight in the cantina, the cantina explosion and the end of the sequence is a great example of practical effects working well in the sequence.How didthesnowmen interact with live actors or environments, and how did you ensure seamless integration?Early pre-vis animation played a key role helping the filmmakers, stunts and camera teams plan out the snowmen fight sequence. Stuntmen posing as snowmen were vital in acting out key shots with our heroes Cal and Jack for the plate photography. Detailed rotomation of our heroes and stuntmen was necessary to ensure seamless integration could be achieved when our heroes physically interacted with the digital snowmen.Grylas design is visually striking. What influenced her look, and how did you bring her character to life through visual effects?Gryla has a long history in Icelandic Christmas folklore.Our filmmakers used this as inspiration but crafted their own version of Gryla unique to the movie. Our Gryla is 18 feet tall with a decrepit hunched over physical appearance, Minotaur-type legs and two lengthy tails. One challenge the animation team had to overcome was making her appear to be a formidable adversary to our heroes due to her decrepit hunched over pose. We used her tails as a physical counterbalance to her posture and the tails themselves became prehensile weapons. At first glance, she seems old and decrepit but then you realize that shes quite spry and can move very fast during battle.Were there any motion capture or performance reference techniques used for animating Gryla?We used key frame animation for Grylas body performance and incorporated a head-mounted camera on Kiernan Shipka to capture for facial performance. Capturing the essence of Kiernans performance was key and then determining the correct balance required for the shots was essential since the structural differences between Kiernan and giant Gryla was quite different.How did you ensure Grylas interactions withtheenvironment and other characters felt natural and grounded?Grylas unique design and mainly her being 18 feet tall definitely had its own set of unique challenges. Lots of planning while on set, detailed lidar set acquisition and onset HDRI reference was helpful in keeping things grounded. Another challenge was keeping our audience completely engaged in the story and not letting the presence of an 18 foot tall character take them out of the moment. Seamless visual integration by all our teams was paramount in helping us achieve this for our audience.What werethemost complex sequences involving Gryla, and how did you tackle them?Some of the more complex moments and shots with Gryla are when she had to physically interact with our heroes Cal and Jack. Again, detailed shot planning while on set is essential anytime you have live action actors physically interacting with digital characters. It really requires the attention of everyone on set to help plan out these shots so months later you dont encounter insurmountable problems while in post-production.TheNorth Pole is a vital setting inthestory. How did you conceptualize and create this iconic environment, and what role did visual effects play in bringing it to life?We were one of two vendors working on the North Pole City and our portion of the North Pole sequence showcased mostly the runway, North Pole Tower and surrounding Tower locations. Our environments team focused attention on high altitude city views, looking down at the city below and wide panoramic vistas. We created our own customized version of the North Pole City specifically designed and catered to our shot needs. As post-production progressed, a constant visual balance between vendors was necessary in order to ensure the North Pole look was visually consistent, realistic and maintained its magical qualities.Were there any unexpected technical or creative challenges encountered duringtheproduction?Large visual effects film like this always have some challenges for the creative teams as production progresses. I think the biggest challenge on this film was ensuring seamless visuals for our viewing audiences across all sequences. This movie has many magical and fantastical elements and keeping the visuals grounded in reality makes for a wonderful viewing experience.Looking back ontheproject, what aspectsofthevisual effects are you most proudof?Im very proud of all of the work our team was able to accomplish on Red One especially our Snowmen assassins and North Pole runway with the Gryla monster in particular. Our filmmakers had very high visual expectations knowing that this film would become a holiday classic going forward for many years and resonating with many generations.How long have you worked on this show?I was crewed to Red One for over two years and feel fortunate to have been crewed to the project starting in January 2022.WhatstheVFXshots count?Our team worked on over 700 shots for this film.A big thanks for your time.WANT TO KNOW MORE?Sony Pictures Imageworks: Dedicated page about Red One on Sony Pictures Imageworks website. Vincent Frei The Art of VFX 2025

Dallas-based aerospace startup Firehawk Aerospace has received $60 million in a series C investment round led by 1789 Capital, which recently named Donald Trump Jr as a Partner.Based in Palm Beach, Florida, the roughly $150 million venture capital firm funds companies that promote conservative political policies, reflecting a growing movement among right-leaning investors. These groups are working to create a parallel economy that counters progressive frameworks like Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and environmental, social, and governance (ESG).Headed by Omeed Malik, a prominent donor for President-elect Donald Trump, the VC fund is targeting deglobalization to build the next era of American prosperity. It reportedly invested $15 million in the series C deal, representing its first financial commitment in the defense tech sector. Additional backers include Draper Associates, Boka Capital, and Point Bridge Capital. The latter runs the MAGA ETF which invests in companies that align with Republican political beliefs.This new capital will support Firehawks development of solid rocket motors (SRM) and 3D printed rocket fuel, which offers safer, more stable combustion than conventional propellants. The Texan aerospace company claims that its solid fuel grain can be 3D printed in hours, unlike casting and curing methods, which can take up to two months.High demand for SRMs is currently coupled with a shortage of domestic suppliers in the US, as the Department of Defense (DoD) ramps up efforts to address missile shortages. Last year, Firehawk partnered with AFWERX to develop SRMs and hybrid rocket engines for the US Air Force. Given its connections to the incoming Trump administration, 1789 Capital is well-positioned to help the company secure new government contracts to aid the Pentagons resupply efforts.Firehawk performing a burn test on a prototype hybrid engine. Photo via Firehawk Aerospace.3D printing rocket fuelBeginning operations in 2019, Firehawk was founded by CEO Will Edwards and Director Ronald Jones to create low-cost, hybrid rocket motors that are safe and reliable. Besides missiles, these propulsion systems can power satellite launchers, guided reconnaissance vehicles, lunar transport systems, and manned spacecraft.The startups key offering is its 3D printed rocket fuel, a solid thermoplastic-based grain that is more stable and easier to transport than conventional alternatives. The propellent is fabricated in the form of fuel rods optimized for hybrid rockets, which produce thrust by combining a solid fuel with a liquid oxidizer.It can be stored indefinitely without being affected by moisture, while layer-by-layer deposition removes the risk of problematic air gaps and bubbles. Thanks to its durability, the propellant can be quickly manufactured inside a 20 by 40-foot shipping container. This facilitates distributed manufacturing closer to the point of need, including on the battlefield.3D printing the fuel also allows for precise customization of the propellants composition and thrust characteristics, unlocking significant performance benefits over its conventional counterparts. Additionally, the combustion of Firehawks offering can be safely slowed, stopped, and restarted. Alternatively, other solid rocket fuels are completely blasted in one shot, reducing their efficiency.3D printing rocket fuel rods. Photo via Firehawk Aerospace.Firehawk Aerospace attracts investmentBack in 2020, the aerospace startup completed its first $2 million seed funding round. This was led by members of the Victorum Capital Club, with further investments from Achieve Capital and Harlow Capital Management. A year later, initial rocket tests were completed at NASAs Stennis Space Center, followed by an $18 million series B funding round led by Star Castle Ventures.2022 saw Firehawk receive a series A investment from leading missile manufacturer Raytheon Technologies. The two partners agreed to collaborate on research and development projects, exploring how to integrate the 3D printing-enabled rocket technology into future weapon systems.Edwards recently told Forbes that Firehawk generated mid-seven figures revenue last year. He added that the rocket manufacturer had secured deals with mid-eight figures committed. This includes an agreement with the Army Applications Laboratory to address challenges in existing SRM supply chains.Through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase III contract, Firehawk is developing propulsion systems to power key weapon systems. These include the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket (GMLR), FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank, and FIM-92 Stinger anti-aircraft missiles. A key reason for the Texas companys selection was reportedly its ability to manufacture hybrid rocket engines in weeks rather than years.Firehawk Aerospace sign. Photo via Firehawk Aerospace.Scaling US missile production with AMThe need to address missile inventory shortages has seen the DoD commit substantial capital to additive manufacturing. The Pentagons annual budget requests for missile, munitions procurement, and related research and development increased from $9 billion in 2015 to $30.6 billion in 2024.Last year, Colorado-based rocket engine manufacturer Ursa Major received substantial military funding to scale SRM production with its Lynx 3D printing technology. In April 2024, the firm signed a contract with the US Navy to design, hot fire test, and produce a 3D printed solid rocket motor prototype for the Standard Missile (SM) program.Through this agreement, Ursa Major is working to develop a new 3D printable design for the Mk 104 dual rocket motor, which powers the M-2, SM-3, and SM-6 missiles. Later in the year, the defense contractor received an additional $12.5 million from the US Navy and the Office of Strategic Capital (OSC) to scale the production of its 3D Printed missile propulsion systems.Another company working to address US missile demand is Italian rocket and missile manufacturer Avio, which recently announced plans to triple SRM production over the next 4-5 years. The firm revealed that it is building a US-based production facility to strengthen supply chains and diversify sourcing options. Avio actively uses additive manufacturing in SRM production, particularly Velo3D Sapphire 3D printers. These fabricate high-strength, corrosion, and temperature-resistance parts in nickel-based alloy materials.Who won the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards?All the news from Formnext 2024.Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to keep up with the latest 3D printing news.You can also follow us on X, like our Facebook page, and subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry Youtube channel to access more exclusive content.Featured image shows a Firehawk Aerospace sign. Photo via Firehawk Aerospace.

Are you thinking about a career in architecture or environmental design? UC Berkeleys College of Environmental Design (CED) offers intensive summer programs that could help you decide if these creative fields are right for you. Whether youre a professional, undergraduate, or high school student, CEDs Summer Programs invite you to explore architecture, urban design, sustainable city planning, and landscape architecture in an academic setting. Discover Architecture and DesignArchitecture and environmental design are not just about creating buildings; they involve crafting spaces that improve the quality of life and address environmental challenges. UC Berkeleys immersive CED Summer Programs are designed to introduce you to these disciplines in an engaging, hands-on way. Through collaborative and exploratory learning, youll gain insight into the core principles of design in a collaborative, explorative, and experiential learning environment.(Courtesy UC Berkeley)DISC: Innovating for Sustainable CitiesDISC (Design + Innovation for Sustainable Cities) is tailored for current college students interested in urban innovation. This full-time program integrates studio work, lectures, seminars, digital workshops, and field trips to provide a comprehensive understanding of how to design and plan for resilient and sustainable urban environments. Participants tackle real-world problems and project sites, exploring intersections between architecture, urban planning, and environmental design. The multidisciplinary approach equips students to consider issues of affordable housing, transportation, social equity, climate change, and livability to create long-term solutions for cities. Summer Institutes: Specialized Tracks in DesignUC Berkeleys Summer Institutes offer specialized programs designed for individuals exploring architecture, city planning, or landscape architecture. These intensive, studio-based tracks provide academic and professional-grade experiences, helping you build a portfolio for advanced academic or professional opportunities.InArch: This track introduces architectural design, theory, and digital design tools. Students also learn from site visits and professional guest lecturers. Ideal for beginners, it helps students develop foundational skills and produce a strong portfolio.InCity: Focused on city planning and design, this program emphasizes a sustainable and equitable urban development. Through collaborative projects and fieldwork, youll learn how to create livable, inclusive urban spaces.InLand: Centered on landscape architecture, InLand emphasizes ecological principles and resilient design. Exploring a selected site in the Bay Area, students learn to craft environmentally sensitive landscapes that serve their communities.(Courtesy UC Berkeley)Studio-Based Learning ExperienceCEDs Summer Programs studio-based learning environment encourages collaboration, exploration, and experimentationkey elements of the design process. In studio, youll work alongside peers from diverse backgrounds, share ideas, and receive feedback from experienced instructors and professionals.Collaboration: Teamwork and continuous feedback is at the heart of the CED Summer Programs. Working in teams and guided by experienced instructors, youll tackle complex design problems, learning to value diverse perspectives and different approaches. This collaborative experience is essential for professional practice.Exploration: Youll delve into various facets of architecture and design, from theoretical concepts to practical applications. This exploratory process helps you understand the breadth and depth of the field, allowing you to discover what truly excites you.Experimentation: Students are challenged to push boundaries, try new ideas, and learn from both successes and failures. This iterative approach fosters creativity, innovation, continuous learning, and adaptation, essential qualities every designer needs.(Courtesy UC Berkeley)Chart Your Career PathAlums who attended one of UC Berkeleys CED Summer Programs speak of a transformative experience. The immersive, hands-on nature of these programs provides a realistic view into these fields, empowering you to make informed choices about your future.For more details and to apply, visit the UC Berkeley College of Environmental Designs Summer Programs website.

When we talk about data privacy, tech giants like Google and Facebook are often blamed for using personal data to show ads and recommendations. Less discussed are the businesses whose entire business model revolves around collecting your data and selling it to other companies and governments. These companies often operate in legal gray areas, with the consent required to collect user data buried deep in the fine print.Whats even more concerning is that these data brokers fail to adequately protect the data they collect. Last year, National Public Data made headlines forfailing to secure 2.7 billion records of individuals whose data it had harvested. Now, hackers have reportedly stolen data from Gravy Analytics, the parent company of Venntel, which has sold vast amounts of smartphone location data to the U.S. government.Enter the giveaway by signing up for myfree newsletter. A woman working on her laptop (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)What you need to know about the breachHackers claim to have breached Gravy Analytics, a major location data broker and parent company of Venntel, a firm known for selling smartphone location data to U.S. government agencies. The compromise is massive, including sensitive location data that tracks precise smartphone movements, customer information and even internal infrastructure, according to a404 Media report.The hackers are threatening to make the stolen data public. The files contain precise latitude and longitude coordinates of the phone and the time at which the phone was there. Some even indicate what country the data has been collected from.Hackers have claimed access to Gravy's systems since 2018. If true, this represents a serious security lapse on the companys part. It is baffling how companies that collect and sell user data (a practice that arguably shouldnt be allowed in the first place) failed to protect it from being leaked.404 Media also suggests that the hackers gained deep access to the companys infrastructure, including Amazon S3 buckets and server root access. The exposed customer list reportedly includes major companies like Uber, Apple and Equifax as well as government contractors like Babel Street. A hacker (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)What this breach means for peopleThis data breach highlights the serious security flaws in the location data industry. Companies like Gravy Analytics and Venntel have been profiting from collecting and selling sensitive location data, often without proper user consent. They've prioritized profit over security, and now the privacy of millions is at risk. This data could end up on black markets, endangering individuals, especially those in vulnerable situations, by making them targets for harassment or worse.The FTC's recent crackdown on Gravy, announced in December, underscores their negligence. The proposed order will prohibit these companies from selling or using location data, except in specific cases like national security or law enforcement. The implications are worrying. Sensitive locations like schools and workplaces could become easy targets for those with malicious intent. A person using their cellphone and working on their laptop (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)5 ways to stay safe in the age of data breachesThe Gravy Analytics breach serves as a sobering reminder of the vulnerabilities in the digital age. While its impossible to control how every company handles data, you can take steps to minimize your exposure and protect your privacy. Here are five actionable tips to stay safe.1) Limit app permissions: Many apps request access to location data, contacts and more, even when it's not necessary for their functionality. Regularly review the permissions for apps on your smartphone and revoke access to anything that feels excessive. For instance, a weather app doesnt need access to your microphone or camera.2) Use a VPN:Virtual private networks (VPNs) can mask your IP address and encrypt your internet activity, making it harder for data brokers and hackers to track your online behavior. A good VPN adds an extra layer of security, especially when using public Wi-Fi networks.3) Opt out of data sharing where possible:Some companies allow you to opt out of having your data collected or shared. Services like Your Ad Choices and privacy settings within platforms like Google can help you reduce the amount of data collected. Check for opt-out options with any apps or services you use frequently.4)Avoid free apps that monetize data: Free apps often generate revenue by selling user data. Instead, consider paid versions of apps that explicitly prioritize privacy. Research the company behind the app to understand its data handling policies before downloading.5) Invest in data removal services:Data removal services can help you regain some control over your personal information by identifying and removing it from people-search websites, data broker platforms and other online databases.Check out my top picks for data removal services here.Kurts key takeawayCompanies that collect and sell user data pose a significant threat to privacy, and when they fail to protect this data, it often ends up in the hands of even worse actors. Cybercriminals, and even some governments, can exploit this information to target individuals. It is crucial to implement stringent repercussions for these companies when they fail in their duty to safeguard user data. A mere slap on the wrist is not enough. We need real accountability to deter negligence and protect individual privacy rights.Should companies face stronger penalties for failing to protect personal data? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you'd like us to cover.Follow Kurt on his social channels:Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com.All rights reserved. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? 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rimom - FotoliaNewsBarings Law enleagues 15,000 claimants against Google and MicrosoftBarings Law has signed up 15,000 claimants in a data breach suit against Microsoft and Google. The firm says the tech giants use personal data without proper consent to train AI modelsByBrian McKenna,Enterprise Applications EditorPublished: 14 Jan 2025 17:00 A law firm based in Manchester has gathered around 15,000 claimants for an impending data breach lawsuit against Microsoft and Google.The firm began signing up clients in November 2024 for a class action against the US tech giants. It believes them to be illegally collecting and using peoples data to train their artificial intelligence (AI) models.The firm, which has litigated on several data breach cases, including the Capita cyber attack and the leaking of medical records in the South Staffs Water hack, managed to assemble over 10,000 sign-ups in just under a month, it said.This followed, it said, a two-year investigation by the firm, which has found evidence that significant amounts of non-consented data collected by Microsoft and Google is being used in training and developing large language AI models.We are pleased to have accumulated such a vast number of sign-ups for this landmark case, said Adnan Malik, head of data protection at Barings Law.The swift response from 15,000 claimants highlights the growing public demand for accountability in the face of persistent data privacy issues, and our dedicated team at Barings Law is intent on seeing this demand met.With our history of tackling significant data breach cases, we are committed to challenging the pervasive misuse of personal data by corporations, ensuring that privacy is not sacrificed in the name of technological advancement.Read more about big tech getting sued for feeding AI models with personal dataBarings Law plans to sue Microsoft and Google over AI training data.AI firm Anthropic hits out at copyright lawsuit filed by music publishers, claiming the content ingested into its models falls under fair use and that any licensing regime would be too complex and costly.The firm alleges a raft of data privacy transgressions, including the collection of information regarding users voices, demographics, time spent on apps, and personal information including email addresses and the contents of emails.Malik said the numbers of claimants were a significant step forward in the firms pursuit of the case. We still have a way to go, but the numbers in such a short space of time demonstrate peoples determination to fight for more accountability from major corporations and the safeguarding of their personal data, he added.Barings claims the use of personal data for the training of Googles and Microsofts AI models is being done without proper authorisation or consent from users, who may understand data is being collected, but be unaware of the role this data plays in the training of AI large language models.It continues to invite anyone with a Microsoft or Google account, or those whove used either firms services, to join the lawsuit. This includes those who have used platforms and services such as YouTube, Gmail, Google Docs, Google Maps, LinkedIn, OneDrive, Outlook, Microsoft 365 and Xbox.When the firm announced the recruitment of clients for a class action in November 2024, Malik said: Individuals have the right to know what data of theirs is being stored and what it is being used for. They also have the right to opt out of their behaviours, voice, likeness, habits and knowledge being used to train AI for the profit of tech giants.Many authors, artists and others are currently filing lawsuits against generative AI companies for using personal data to train their models. IT companies in the firing line include Meta, Google, GitHub, Microsoft, OpenAI, Stability AI, Midjourney, DeviantArt, as well as AI song-generator start-ups Suno and Udio.In The Current Issue:Interview: Wendy Redshaw, chief digital information officer, NatWest Retail BankPreparing for AI regulation: The EU AI ActDownload Current Issue

What is the best VPN for your smart TV right now?ZDNET's favorite VPN for smart TVs is NordVPN. This VPN combines excellent speed, server connections, security, and a plethora of ways you can use it with your smart TV -- including with Android-based TVs, Apple TVs, Amazon Fire Sticks, and gaming consoles.ZDNET writers have decades of experience, combined, in testing and reviewing VPN software. We understand how important VPNs can be in improving your privacy and security online. To provide you with the best recommendations, we constantly monitor the market and conduct our own investigations. Sort by All The best smart TV VPNs in 2025 Show less View now at NordVPN Few smart TVs have native VPN support, unless they are based on the Android operating system. We thus recommend VPNs based on speed, strong connectivity, and multi-platform support.NordVPN rates well in all of these categories. The VPN provider's software is compatible with a host of systems and hardware. NordVPN has also provided useful guides on smart TV installation.Suppose you want to use NordVPN on your smart TV. Your options include downloading and installing native apps for Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV, installing the VPN on your router, or sharing your internet connection through Ethernet cables.Also:NordVPN reviewDue to the relatively recent expansion of its server network, NordVPN often earns the top spot in our VPN recommendations. It provides excellent speeds, server selection, and stability. Customers, too, like the support on offer and note this VPN is easy to use.Our favorite smart TV VPN can be costly, but the best deals are with two-year contracts, starting at $3.59 per month, and include three months of free access added. Alternatively, one-year plans begin at $4.99 per month. One month of access costs $12.99.NordVPN features: Simultaneous connections:10 |Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Fire TV, tvOS, and routers |Countries:111 |Kill switch:Yes |Logging:Email address and billing information only |Money-back guarantee: 30 days|Trial: Seven days on Android Pros Rapid speeds Extensive server network Apple TV compatibility Cons Premium plans can be expensive Few smart TVs have native VPN support, unless they are based on the Android operating system. We thus recommend VPNs based on speed, strong connectivity, and multi-platform support.NordVPN rates well in all of these categories. The VPN provider's software is compatible with a host of systems and hardware. NordVPN has also provided useful guides on smart TV installation.Suppose you want to use NordVPN on your smart TV. Your options include downloading and installing native apps for Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV, installing the VPN on your router, or sharing your internet connection through Ethernet cables.Also:NordVPN reviewDue to the relatively recent expansion of its server network, NordVPN often earns the top spot in our VPN recommendations. It provides excellent speeds, server selection, and stability. Customers, too, like the support on offer and note this VPN is easy to use.Our favorite smart TV VPN can be costly, but the best deals are with two-year contracts, starting at $3.59 per month, and include three months of free access added. Alternatively, one-year plans begin at $4.99 per month. One month of access costs $12.99.NordVPN features: Simultaneous connections:10 |Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Fire TV, tvOS, and routers |Countries:111 |Kill switch:Yes |Logging:Email address and billing information only |Money-back guarantee: 30 days|Trial: Seven days on Android Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at ExpressVPN ExpressVPN is another of our top choices for use with smart TVs. It provides some of the best speeds (and minimal speed loss) in our tests, is easy to use, and is compatible with a range of platforms and operating systems.To use this VPN with your smart TV, refer to ExpressVPN's guides for assistance. This VPN provides native apps for use with systems including Apple TV, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV, or you can install the VPN directly onto your router.If you're still having trouble, you can use ExpressVPN's DNS-based MediaStreamer service, which improves streaming but won't have the same protection a VPN provides.Also:ExpressVPN reviewIf pricing was more in line with its competitors, ExpressVPN may have secured the top spot. If speed is king, however, you might be tempted to pay, with annual plans priced at $6.67 per month. Three months of free access are included. If you want to sign up for a six-month contract, you will pay $6.66 per month. One month of service is priced at $12.95.ExpressVPN also offers dedicated IP addresses bolted onto your subscription for $3.19 per month.ExpressVPN features: Simultaneous connections:8|Kill switch:Yes |Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Linux, Fire TV, Android TV, tvOS, and routers|Countries:105|Logging: No browsing logs, some connection logs |Money-back guarantee:30 days|Trial: Seven days on Android and iOS Pros Excellent speeds Vast server network User-friendly Cons Expensive ExpressVPN is another of our top choices for use with smart TVs. It provides some of the best speeds (and minimal speed loss) in our tests, is easy to use, and is compatible with a range of platforms and operating systems.To use this VPN with your smart TV, refer to ExpressVPN's guides for assistance. This VPN provides native apps for use with systems including Apple TV, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV, or you can install the VPN directly onto your router.If you're still having trouble, you can use ExpressVPN's DNS-based MediaStreamer service, which improves streaming but won't have the same protection a VPN provides.Also:ExpressVPN reviewIf pricing was more in line with its competitors, ExpressVPN may have secured the top spot. If speed is king, however, you might be tempted to pay, with annual plans priced at $6.67 per month. Three months of free access are included. If you want to sign up for a six-month contract, you will pay $6.66 per month. One month of service is priced at $12.95.ExpressVPN also offers dedicated IP addresses bolted onto your subscription for $3.19 per month.ExpressVPN features: Simultaneous connections:8|Kill switch:Yes |Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Linux, Fire TV, Android TV, tvOS, and routers|Countries:105|Logging: No browsing logs, some connection logs |Money-back guarantee:30 days|Trial: Seven days on Android and iOS Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Surfshark Surfshark often ranks as one of the best affordable VPNs in our recommendations. It's excellent value for money and provides you with a solid server network, user-friendly mobile apps, and unlimited simultaneous connections.Like its competitors, Surfshark has provided comprehensive guides for setting up the VPN with smart TVs. Native apps for systems including Android TV, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV are available, alongside Roku and Chromecast. You can also set up Surfshark on your router.Also: Surfshark VPN reviewCustomers like the VPN's user interface and ease of use.The cheapest Surfshark subscription is for two years and costs $2.19 per month. Alternatively, you can sign up for one year and pay $2.99 per month or $15.45 for just one month of access. One- and two-year contracts also provide you with three months of free access, which gets added to the length of the contract.Surfshark features:Simultaneous connections:Unlimited| Ad-blocker | Two-factor authentication | Kill switch: Yes |Countries: 100 |Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Fire TV, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, tvOS, and routers | Money-back guarantee: 30 days |Trial: Seven days on Android, iOS, and macOS Pros Excellent value for money Affordable basic plans Apple TV compatibility Cons Speeds can be slower than competitors Surfshark often ranks as one of the best affordable VPNs in our recommendations. It's excellent value for money and provides you with a solid server network, user-friendly mobile apps, and unlimited simultaneous connections.Like its competitors, Surfshark has provided comprehensive guides for setting up the VPN with smart TVs. Native apps for systems including Android TV, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV are available, alongside Roku and Chromecast. You can also set up Surfshark on your router.Also: Surfshark VPN reviewCustomers like the VPN's user interface and ease of use.The cheapest Surfshark subscription is for two years and costs $2.19 per month. Alternatively, you can sign up for one year and pay $2.99 per month or $15.45 for just one month of access. One- and two-year contracts also provide you with three months of free access, which gets added to the length of the contract.Surfshark features:Simultaneous connections:Unlimited| Ad-blocker | Two-factor authentication | Kill switch: Yes |Countries: 100 |Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Fire TV, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, tvOS, and routers | Money-back guarantee: 30 days |Trial: Seven days on Android, iOS, and macOS Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at PIA Private Internet Access, also known as PIA, is one of our favorite open-source VPNs that puts security and privacy first.While PIA's interface could do with an update, it works well on the big screen and can be used with smart TVs through your router, native apps for Apple TV, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV, or by sharing your PC's internet connection.During our speed tests, PIA performed reasonably well, and we like the usability and flexibility of this VPN service. Customers applaud its Linux support in particular, and also note PIA's open-source approach as a benefit.The best deal right now for PIA access is a two-year contract, which costs only $2.19 per month and comes with two months of free service. You can also sign up for six months for the equivalent of $7.50 per month or test the VPN for one month, which costs $11.99.Private Internet Access features:Simultaneous connections:Unlimited|Kill switch:Yes |Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, tvOS, routers, Fire TV, and NAS |Countries:91 |Logging:No-logs policy |Money-back guarantee:30 days |Trial: Seven days on Android and iOS Pros Open source Unlimited simultaneous connections Multi-platform Cons Limited server network Private Internet Access, also known as PIA, is one of our favorite open-source VPNs that puts security and privacy first.While PIA's interface could do with an update, it works well on the big screen and can be used with smart TVs through your router, native apps for Apple TV, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV, or by sharing your PC's internet connection.During our speed tests, PIA performed reasonably well, and we like the usability and flexibility of this VPN service. Customers applaud its Linux support in particular, and also note PIA's open-source approach as a benefit.The best deal right now for PIA access is a two-year contract, which costs only $2.19 per month and comes with two months of free service. You can also sign up for six months for the equivalent of $7.50 per month or test the VPN for one month, which costs $11.99.Private Internet Access features:Simultaneous connections:Unlimited|Kill switch:Yes |Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, tvOS, routers, Fire TV, and NAS |Countries:91 |Logging:No-logs policy |Money-back guarantee:30 days |Trial: Seven days on Android and iOS Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at IPVanish IPVanish is another great option for smart TV use, especially if you're a fond console (or PC) gamer. When you select a server to connect to, you can easily access latency and ping statistics, reducing lag and ensuring privacy without disrupting your gaming session.IPVanish works best on Android TV and Amazon Fire TV. An Apple TV native app is also now available. You can also install the app on your router, share your internet connection via a PC, or hotspot through a mobile device with the VPN installed. If you need help, you can refer to IPVanish's setup guides, although the website could do with better organization around its guides.Also: IPVanish reviewWe like IPVanish's highly customizable interface and service, allowing you to choose from various encryption protocols. Customers say they appreciate the professional service and customer support.IPVanish is a very affordable VPN as long as you are willing to sign up for a two-year contract. If this is the case, you will pay only $2.19 per month. The annual plan is relatively cheap, too, and costs $3.33 per month. If you only want one month of VPN service, expect to pay $12.99.IPVanish features:Simultaneous connections: Unlimited |Kill switch: Yes |Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Fire TV, tvOS, Kodi, and routers | Logging: None, except billing data |Locations: 75 |Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android and iOS Pros Gaming mode Affordable Reasonable speeds Great for Kodi Cons Limited server network IPVanish is another great option for smart TV use, especially if you're a fond console (or PC) gamer. When you select a server to connect to, you can easily access latency and ping statistics, reducing lag and ensuring privacy without disrupting your gaming session.IPVanish works best on Android TV and Amazon Fire TV. An Apple TV native app is also now available. You can also install the app on your router, share your internet connection via a PC, or hotspot through a mobile device with the VPN installed. If you need help, you can refer to IPVanish's setup guides, although the website could do with better organization around its guides.Also: IPVanish reviewWe like IPVanish's highly customizable interface and service, allowing you to choose from various encryption protocols. Customers say they appreciate the professional service and customer support.IPVanish is a very affordable VPN as long as you are willing to sign up for a two-year contract. If this is the case, you will pay only $2.19 per month. The annual plan is relatively cheap, too, and costs $3.33 per month. If you only want one month of VPN service, expect to pay $12.99.IPVanish features:Simultaneous connections: Unlimited |Kill switch: Yes |Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Fire TV, tvOS, Kodi, and routers | Logging: None, except billing data |Locations: 75 |Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android and iOS Read More Show Expert Take Show less Smart TV VPNs, compared Smart TV VPNCompatibilityServer networkPriceNordVPNWindows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Fire TV, tvOS, routers111$3.59/monthExpressVPNWindows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Linux, Fire TV, Android TV, tvOS, routers105$6.67/monthSurfsharkWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Fire TV, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, tvOS, routers100$2.19/monthPrivate Internet AccessWindows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, tvOS, routers, Fire TV, NAS91$2.19/monthIPVanishWindows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Fire TV, tvOS, Kodi, routers75$2.19/month Show more What is a smart TV VPN service and why should you use one? VPN services are designed to improve your online privacy. VPNs create encrypted tunnels between your device and internet services, masking your IP address and making it more difficult to eavesdrop and monitor you. They are not a silver bullet for security but, instead, are an important tool in our arsenal.For smart TVs, a VPN can stop your internet service provider (ISP) from monitoring what you are streaming, and where from, and can also be used to change your location. In some cases, this can help you avoid throttling or give you the ability to bypass geolocation blocks -- although the latter is a legally gray area.See also: What is a VPN and why do you need one? Show more How to set up a smart TV VPN Charlie Osborne | ZDNETOnce you've chosen the smart TV VPN you want, you should check whether a native app is available. The most common TV operating system with native apps is Android TV, although you can often use a VPN on your Amazon Fire TV Stickor Apple TV.Find your app in your TV's repository, typically in its centralized smart hub. After installing the app, open it and log in to the service with the username, email, and password you created when you subscribed. Alternatively, some VPNs allow you to log in through a QR code or a one-time passcode.Once your VPN has been installed, select a country or preferred server, and you're done.If the VPN you want to use is unavailable for your TV, you may have to set up a VPN service on your router instead. Most VPN providers have extensive FAQ sections on their sites detailing how to complete a manual setup.See also: How to set up a VPN on your routerHow we test VPNs Many providers recommended in this list have been subject to in-depth testing and reviews by the ZDNET team. We've been talking about VPNs for years, spoken with their management and their users, and developed a generally favorable impression.ZDNET tests VPN services from multiple locations, but we can't test from all locations. Every home, community, local ISP, and nation has a different infrastructure.We analyzed the best VPNs for smart TVs using the following criteria:Performance:Our top VPNs must have a minimum level of performance. After all, there's no point in using a VPN while streaming if your connection continually drops or lags.Simultaneous connections: Many VPNs limit the number of devices you can connect through a service simultaneously. If you have a phone, tablet, laptop, desktop, or smart TV you want to use with a VPN, you need a service that allows at least five or six simultaneous connections.Security: There's no point in using a VPN unless its security protocols and encryption levels are up to scratch. We also ensured the development team behind each recommended VPN cares about improving security and patching reported bugs.Kill switch: A kill switch prevents you from having an unprotected connection. It is an important feature for a VPN, as it protects you by preventing a return to a default Wi-Fi connection should your internet connection unexpectedly drop.Geo-blocks and streaming: VPNs can be key to accessing local content and services while you're away from home. We ensured that our top recommendations performed well given these factors and are unlikely to slow down your connection while streaming, including when you are running a VPN on your TV.Platforms: What systems and devices can you run the VPN on? Our smart TV VPN recommendations naturally have to offer easy-to-use and intuitive apps suitable for this hardware. In particular, we always look for Android TV and Fire TV compatibility.Support: As with any subscription software, you may encounter problems with installing apps, using the service, renewing, or canceling. We list VPNs with an available support team.Countries and servers: In how many different countries does the VPN have servers? This can include physical and virtual servers, and whether there are enough -- at least 50 or so -- to provide variety.Trial length and price: Each VPN we recommend has a solid money-back guarantee.For a more extensive breakdown, check out our comprehensive VPN testing methodology page. Show more Choosing the right smart TV VPN Choose this VPN...If you want...NordVPNThe best smart TV VPN overall. NordVPN is compatible with a variety of TV platforms and provides you with speed, security, and stability.ExpressVPNA speedy smart TV VPN. While it is more expensive than many competitors, this multi-platform option will give you fantastic speeds for streaming.SurfsharkAn affordable smart TV VPN. Surfshark has consistently low pricing and provides excellent value for money.Private Internet AccessAn open-source smart TV VPN. Private Internet Access has an open and transparent approach to security for protecting all of your devices.IPVanishA gaming-ready VPN. IPVanish offers reasonable speeds for a reasonable price and provides server information that allows you to pick the right option to reduce lag. Show more What are the factors to consider when choosing a smart TV VPN? When you are selecting your new smart TV VPN, consider the following factors:Price: You need to weigh the overall price of your new VPN plan. Try to take advantage of promotions, but ignore countdown timers -- they typically are just marketing tools. While top-notch VPNs can cost upwards of $10 per month, many are available for only a few dollars.Apps: When selecting a VPN, try it first to ensure you like its accompanying TV app. Some VPNs, for example, have great desktop software but are lacking elsewhere, meaning they are not as intuitive or easy to use.Security: Choose a reputable VPN provider that emphasizes user privacy and security. Frequent patch updates, transparent disclosure of security incidents, warrant canaries, and no-logs policies are all important factors.Simultaneous connections: If you're paying for a VPN suitable for your smart TV, you might still want to use it across multiple devices, such as a desktop, a laptop, or smartphone. We recommend that you sign up for a plan supporting at least six devices. Many paid VPN plans now offer unlimited connections.Contract length: You must also decide how long you want to use a VPN. If you opt for a two-year term, you tend to secure the best prices, but other options are also available. After you've made a selection, you typically have a 30-day money-back guarantee. Show more FAQs on VPNs Is it worth getting a VPN just for my smart TV? If the only reason you want to install a VPN is to mask your IP address and change your location to access a streaming content library outside your original location, then perhaps it is worth it. Considering how useful VPNs can be in protecting your online privacy outside of smart TV usage, we would recommend that you also use one on your PC and mobile device. Show more Do I have to pay for a smart TV VPN? While there are free VPNs and free VPN plans, the majority will come with heavy restrictions on speed and server choice, and some providers might display ads or sell your information. Considering that you will likely want to access content such as TV shows or films, you will need a VPN without speed limits -- and these tend only to be available with paid subscriptions. Show more Do Samsung TVs have a built-in VPN? Samsung devices have Knox, a built-in VPN client best suited for business use, as it requires manual configuration and is extremely basic. Most of the time, consumers will opt for a paid, third-party VPN service instead.Regarding smart TVs, most models do not offer VPN services out of the box, including those from Samsung. Instead, you will need to find a VPN app in an Android TV hub when available (Tizen OS is unlikely to have VPN apps), install a VPN on your router or bridge the gap by using a device connected to your TV, such as an Amazon Fire TV Stick. Show more Can you use a VPN with TV streaming services? Yes, you can. In fact, one of the reasons VPNs are so popular is that they can be used to access different geo-locked content libraries across streaming services, including Netflix.Keep in mind that this is a legally gray area, and you may be breaking the terms of service. Furthermore, if they detect VPN usage, some streaming services limit content libraries to only media available under universal licenses. Show more What is the best free VPN for smart TVs? Free VPNs usually come with caveats: the sale of your data, extremely limited server networks, or throttled speeds. If you want to use a free VPN before taking the plunge and signing up for a paid service, the only free VPNs we recommend trying out with a smart TV are Proton VPN, Windscribe, andHotspot Shield. Show more How do I tell if my VPN is safe? To check if your VPN is safe and working properly, first choose a reputable vendor known to have a strong security background.Next, compare your IP address before and after enabling a VPN connection. You can find this under your device's settings (typically under Wi-Fi) or by visiting whatismyipaddress.com. If they both display the same IP, your VPN may not be working properly.You can also visit dnsleaktest.com to see if any DNS leaks are detected while you are using a VPN, which could be a sign that your information is being leaked. Show more Are smart TV VPN services legal? Yes, smart TV VPN services are legal in the United States, but legality varies from country to country.Check the laws of your location before using a VPN. Some countries, such as North Korea and Belarus, ban their use outright, whereas others, including Russia and China, frown upon it.For a list of countries where VPN usage is illegal, check out NordVPN's guide. 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