After watching a documentary on Netflix about what it takes to drop off the grid I realized that the new consoles can be remotely activated to use the mic and camera to spy on you. Either by law enforcement or a hacker. They can already do this with cell phones and computers. Cell phones don't even have to be turned on for this.

So how likely is it? Do you think it will happen to you? What are your thoughts in general?

I don't own a console because they are worse than computers in every possible way

I didn't know the WiiU had a camera. Or the PS4.

And how old was the documentary? Because I did read about that stuff when the Xone was revealed, but stuff was alledgedly changed in the setup after that leak was found.

the xbone is gonna hella sell your kinect data to advertisers and probably will give it up to nsa if they request it idk about the others nintendo doesn't seem to want to get into that game and sony might just be satisfied with its current analytics.
@JaC the wiiu does have a camera and the ps4 does have a camera accessory you can purchase but is not terribly well known or supported.

its like the ps2 all over again

The PS3 as well! Sony's had a camera accessory that no one cares about for forever.

i stopped caring about consoles in the ps2 era so i wouldnt know about that

If you're off the grid, why would you be paying for the internet service for people to send the signal to turn your console on and monitor you? Seems counter productive.

~SE++

The documentary was about off the grid. I never said I was.

I'm more worried about someone hacking into my console and watching me watch TV or play a game in my underwear (you all know you do it too).

There is also the chance that the NSA might try to track me because I have anti establishment views and talk to people over seas. They might try to frame me like they do all the time with Muslims: "if I plant this bomb will you stop harassing me?"

Well personally Im part of the PC gaming master race so I dont even feel that consoles are relevant anymore. But I know that there's quite a few game series that are keeping them on life support, and people that complain that the price of a gaming PC is too high, but then spend $600 on a console and buy a mountain of $60 games. *Shrug*

But since the topic is about consoles and privacy, you treat it the same way you would on your computer or any other device. If you're concerned about privacy you do the research to make sure you're taking as many steps as you can to remain as protected as possible. If you're worried about the cameras, dont buy them or dont leave them hooked up when they're not in use... and though crude the old 'tape over the lens' or pointing them at the wall works as additional steps.

Other than that, just realize that the government doesnt really care if you play halo in your tighty whities. *Shrug*

what you seriously believe this bahahahahahahaha

I am never in my underwear unless I'm in the bathroom or changing clothes. So whatever.

That's a shame, I love being just in my underwear, even when I'm not at my own place.

I like being in underwear

in addition to being in a shirt and pants of course!

Shirt and pants are restrictive and feel like a cage, I like to shed the fabric cage whenever I can. especially under the influence of alcohol.

i dont wear underwear

So you're freeballin then???

I hear ya man. sometimes I freeball too but rarely

I didn't say they view me as any kind of threat or eve high priority. I do meet some of the criteria for tracking though, so my info probably goes into a database somewhere and if they need a patsy and I meet the right criteria they might reach out. Just like they've been caught doing to Muslims in the U.S.. Basically they've been using entrapment techniques on people that don't really want to do that kind of stuff...