Tablo firmware version 2.2.58 for legacy network-connected devices contained a change that caused the Viewing Data setting to default to ON in legacy Tablo apps.
Sharing of viewing data was inadvertently re-enabled for devices where Viewing Data was set to OFF. The update also prevented changes to the setting within legacy Tablo apps.
Affected users will receive an email notifying them of this lapse in our viewing data collection processes and outlining the steps we are taking to rectify it.
Users who had Viewing Data set to ON before updating to 2.2.58 were not directly affected by this issue.
Firmware 2.2.60 restores the ability to disable the Viewing Data setting.
Please update as soon as possible and ensure your preferred Viewing Data setting is selected by going to SETTINGS > ABOUT > VIEWING DATA.
Viewing Data Issue Overview
* Users who had updated to 2.2.58 and had Viewing Data set to ON were not directly affected by this issue. However, it is possible that those users were indirectly affected because this issue also prevented changes to the setting within legacy Tablo apps.
** Users with Viewing Data set to OFF prior to updating to 2.2.58 would have had Viewing Data defaulted back to ON. Updating to 2.2.60 will not automatically return the setting to OFF. However, the setting can be set back to OFF immediately after updating.
FAQs About the Viewing Data Setting
How do I know if the Viewing Data setting issue affected me?
This issue only affected users who met ALL the following criteria:
- Own a legacy network-connected Tablo model
- Had Viewing Data set to OFF in settings
- Updated to firmware 2.2.58
We have also contacted affected users directly via email, where possible.
After I update my firmware to 2.2.60, will my Viewing Data setting revert to OFF automatically if it was OFF before updating my firmware to 2.2.58?
No, the Viewing Data setting won’t reset automatically if it was previously set to OFF. We encourage all users to update as soon as possible and then ensure your preferred Viewing Data setting is selected by going to SETTINGS > ABOUT > VIEWING DATA.
My Viewing Data setting was set to ON. Would this issue have affected me?
No. Users who had Viewing Data set to ON before updating to 2.2.58 were not directly affected by this issue. However, it is possible that users were indirectly affected because this issue also prevented changes to this setting within legacy Tablo apps.
I never updated to firmware 2.2.58. Would this issue have affected me?
No. Users who had not yet updated to 2.2.58 were not affected by this issue. Furthermore, updating directly from firmware 2.2.42 to the newest firmware 2.2.60 will not trigger the issue. It will also ensure that your legacy Tablo DVR receives a critical security patch that must be applied before May 22nd.
What does the Viewing Data setting do?
When Viewing Data is set to ON, your Tablo will collect data around your viewing habits. We collect the data for a variety of reasons as explained in our Privacy Policy.
What’s the difference between the Viewing Data setting on legacy Tablo apps, and the Your Privacy Choices setting on 4th Generation apps for legacy Tablo users?
The Viewing Data setting on legacy Tablo apps and the Your Privacy Choices setting on 4th Generation apps are both device-level settings. This means that if you edit the setting, that choice is changed on your Tablo itself and reflected across all Tablo apps. However, they differ slightly in function. Legacy Tablo devices and apps will not upload any information about what you’re watching when Viewing Data is set to OFF. That applies to content you view through legacy apps or 4th Generation apps. If your Viewing Data setting is ‘ON’ in a legacy Tablo app, that data will be uploaded regardless of which app you’re viewing from. However, if you choose to also enable the Your Privacy Choices setting from a 4th Generation app, data on your viewing via 4th Gen apps won’t be shared or sold. Bottom line, you have control over what data you share with us, no matter which Tablo app you use.