Yearslong fight over users' right to tweak smart TV software heads to trial
A trial regarding the right of Vizio smart TV owners to access the source code of their operating system is set for August 10. The Software Freedom Conservancy has been fighting for eight years to compel Vizio to release the complete source code, which could allow users to modify their devices. The outcome of this case may have significant implications for other Linux-based smart TV operating systems in the industry.
- ▪The Software Freedom Conservancy has filed a lawsuit against Vizio for not sharing the complete source code of its smart TV operating system.
- ▪Access to the source code could enable users to limit ads and tracking on their devices.
- ▪The case is currently in the Orange County Superior Court of California and is set to go to trial in August.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Trial set for August 10 Yearslong fight over users’ right to tweak smart TV software heads to trial Access to TV OS’s source code could allow users to limit ads, tracking. Scharon Harding – May 20, 2026 9:32 am | 103 Credit: Aurich Lawson | Getty Images Credit: Aurich Lawson | Getty Images Text settings Story text Size Small Standard Large Width * Standard Wide Links Standard Orange * Subscribers only Learn more Minimize to nav For years, owners of Vizio smart TVs have had little control over the software running on their sets—software that can track viewing habits, push ads, and generally shape the experience of using the device.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Ars Technica.
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