Just checked my model literature and tried to find an answer, nothing in there.

Not a privacy issue, its a fully stand-alone unit:

Model ZAT-500HD, with every option available on it, mulitple inputs, resolution setup and on screen functions and TV guide.

I'll try to contact CFTO, long time ago when I worked for Bell, I interface with them through the CN Tower Broadcasters committee and a Mr Edgely was their rep.