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VIZIO to Pay $2.2 Million to FTC, State of New Jersey to Settle Charges It Collected Viewing Histories on 11 Million Smart Televisions without Users’ Consent VIZIO, Inc., one of the world’s largest manufacturers and sellers of internet-connected “smart” televisions, has agreed to pay $2.2 million to settle charges by the Federal Trade Commission and the Office of the New Jersey Attorney General that it installed software on its TVs to collect viewing data on 11 million consumer TVs without consumers’ knowledge or consent. The stipulated federal court order requires VIZIO to prominently disclose and obtain affirmative express consent for its data collection and sharing practices, and prohibits misrepresentations about the privacy, security, or confidentiality of consumer information they collect. It also requires the company to delete data collected before March 1, 2016, and to implement a comprehensive data privacy program and biennial assessments of that program. According to the agencies’ complaint, starting in February 2014, VIZIO, Inc. and an affiliated company have manufactured VIZIO smart TVs that capture second-by-second information about video displayed on the smart TV, including video from consumer cable, broadband, set-top box, DVD, over-the-air broadcasts, and streaming devices. In addition, VIZIO facilitated appending specific demographic information to the viewing data, such as sex, age, income, marital status, household size, education level, home ownership, and household value, the agencies allege. VIZIO sold this information to third parties, who used it for various purposes, including targeting advertising to consumers across devices, according to the complaint. According to the complaint, VIZIO touted its “Smart Interactivity” feature that “enables program offers and suggestions” but failed to inform consumers that the settings also enabled the collection of consumers’ viewing data. The complaint alleges that VIZIO’s data tracking—which occurred without viewers’ informed consent—was unfair and deceptive, in violation of the FTC Act and New Jersey consumer protection laws. The $2.2 million payment by VIZIO includes a payment of $1.5 million to the FTC and $1 million to the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, with $300,000 of that amount suspended. The Commission vote approving the complaint and proposed order was 3-0, with Acting Chairman Maureen K. Ohlhausen issuing a concurring statement. The FTC filed the complaint and order in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition, and protect and educate consumers. You can learn more about consumer topics and file a consumer complaint online or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357).  Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, read our blogs and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources. New Savings and Retirement Tools on Investor.gov The SEC’s Investor.gov now includes a savings goal calculator in addition to its popular compound interest calculator. You can calculate how much money you need to contribute each month in order to meet your savings or retirement goals.  Save for Retirement Experts advise that you will need about 80 percent of your pre-retirement income to continue your current quality of life when you stop working. But if you set retirement saving goals early on (and stick to them), you can take charge of your financial future.   myRA can help you save for retirement, when you don't have access to an employer-sponsored plan or lack other options to save. Get resources to help you prepare for retirement at USA.gov. Find Answers to Key Financial Questions Do you need help with banking products and services (mortgages, credit cards, checking accounts, and more)? The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) offers guidance on how to protect your money and avoid problems as a bank customer. Check out these tips to deal with a wide range of banking issues. Get information and resources for shopping and consumer issues, including spending, credit, and debt, at USA.gov. Children's Dental Health Month Getting your kids to brush their teeth at night maybe one more thing they delay to avoid going to bed. Here are two to help get them into a routine. Get more information about good dental hygiene during Children’s Dental Health Month. Know the Risks About e-Cigarretts E-cigarettes are very popular with young people, but are e-cigarrettes less dangerous than actual cigarettes? Get the facts from experts and talk to your children about the dangers associated with e-cigarette use. Winter Crafts for Kids Looking for more do-it-yourself projects this winter? Make a magical winter wonderland terrarium using an old empty glass jar with a lid and other projects via PBS Parents.