Roku Streaming Player
Summary
Roku is a streaming device that gives you access to a variety of streaming platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Prime Video, and more. You can purchase a Roku device for between $29 and $99 depending on the model.
Breach History
Has there ever been a breach or data leak?
No known hacks or data breaches!
🎉
Privacy Checklist
Is any kind of biometric data collected (health, heart, voice, etc.)?
Are you able to delete your data / the data collected about you?
Does it use cookies, telemetry, or third-party tracking scripts?
Is the privacy policy user-friendly (easy to understand)?
Does it have parental controls?
Does it use encryption to protect your data both in-transit and at-rest?
Does it get regular software and / or firmware updates?
Does it require you to create a strong password?
Is there a system in place for managing security vulnerabilities?
Does it have a privacy policy?
How Can It Snoop?
Does it have a camera or request / require access to a camera?
Does it have a microphone or request / require access to a microphone?
Does it track your location or request / require access to location data?
Account Requirements
Does it require an email address to use?
Does it require a phone number to use?
Does it require an address (home or office) to use?
Payment Options
Are you able to use a credit card as a payment option?
Are you able to use a cryptocurrency as a payment option?
Are you able to use PayPal as a payment option?
Are you able to use cash or gift cards as a payment option?
What Could Go Wrong?
Roku's privacy policy clearly outlines that they share a signficant amount of viewing and demographic data with advertisers. Be warned that this device will share a lot of personal data with third party companies if purchased.
How Does It Share Your Data?
Roku shares your personal data with advertisers to create targeted ads and create profiles for you across multiple services and devices. It also gives advertisers data about interactions with ads, your demographic data, and audience segment.
Good Things
- Compact and affordable streaming device.
- Fast response time.
- Good video quality.
Bad Things
- Significant privacy concerns.
- No Dolby Vision or Atmos.
- Pop-in issues.
Final Thoughts
Roku is known to share a large amount of personal information with advertisers and other third parties. It has also been reported that Roku devices can be hacked in a similar way as Google Home and Chromecast devices, which would potentially give hackers access to account and payment information. Although Roku itself has not suffered from a data breach, your personal information does not appear to be safe in Roku's hands.