LG Investigates Smart TV “Unauthorised Spying” Claim

Cable and satellite companies that provide television service monitor customer viewing habits. Some smart TVs may also send information about viewer habits and connected devices to manufacturers, suggests an IT consultant. Such feedback allows custom services, but also breaks UK law if consumers do not grant permission, suggests Leo Kelion for BBC News. South Korean firm LG is investigating the claims. “When the consultant … contacted the South Korean company he was told that by using the TV he had accepted LG's terms and conditions,” Kelion reports. “Digging into the TV's menu system, he had noticed that an option called ‘collection of watching info’ had been switched on by default, he said. After switching it off, he had been surprised to find evidence that unencrypted details about each channel change had still been transmitted to LG's computer servers.” Many TV owners don’t realize they can adjust private settings, and manufacturers may not realize the vast data collection features of their own products. – YaleGlobal