I agree but didn't privacy kind of go out the window with most social media, smart phones, or any smart device really? Heck I am sure even my smart TV does some sort of tracking on me. I do get why some may not like it though.
You had better believe that your TV tracks you.
I read an article the other day (of course I can't find it now, so take my word or don't) saying that TV manufacturers are selling their smart TVs at cost and making all of their money selling the data they collect on you.
That's the reason it's so difficult to buy "dumb" TVs now. They have to be priced less than than smart TVs because they have a lower perceived value, and there is no residual income stream.
Smart home assistant devices have hardware/firmware on board to recognize the wake words before connecting to the internet. Unfortunately it's not perfect. If you have a Google Home you can go online and listen to what it's recorded. I notice that it frequently records 2 or 3 seconds of audio when it mishears something in normal conversation that it interprets to be "OK Google". I'm not sure
Amazon allows the same access for the Echo.
To the point of a PP, there are some really interesting videos posted on youtube demonstrating that exact thing, mention something you never cared about and suddenly you're getting ads for that item.
This is the first one I had ever seen. Enlightening.
I only have anecdotal evidence (is that an oxymoron) but I'm convinced that my phone is listening 24/7.
The most recent incident was just a week or so ago. My wife and I were in our bedroom - no home assistant devices in that part of the house but my phone was in my pocket - and I mentioned that I liked to sleep with the comforter on because I liked the extra weight. The next day most websites I visited were advertising weighted blankets.
It often happens that I'll be discussing something and as I open the Google page to search for it Google will suggest that thing in the autocomplete after just 1 or 2 keystrokes.
Before you sign me up for a tinfoil hat a disclaimer - I have both an Echo and a Google Home in my house, I use my smartphone with location tracking on. I'm aware of the privacy I'm giving up but I think the benefit I receive from these products & technology outweighs my concerns.