2 months ago
LG Removes Apps Using TVs as Proxies
LG has announced it will remove apps from its webOS Store that turn TVs into residential proxies.
These apps can use your TV to route someone else's internet traffic without your knowledge.
A report by cybersecurity firm Spur found that over 42% of apps on LG's webOS Store and around a quarter of apps on Samsung's Tizen platform contain code that can do this.
LG's Senior Vice President, John Taylor, said developers must remove the proxy functionality or their apps will be removed.
Bright Data, the company behind many of these proxies, says users give consent through an opt-in screen, but Spur disputes this, arguing the consent prompts are not transparent enough.
LG is removing apps from its webOS Store that use TVs as residential proxies.
Over 42% of apps on LG's webOS Store and around a quarter on Samsung's Tizen platform contain proxy code.
Residential proxies route someone else's internet traffic through your TV without your knowledge.
LG will suspend apps that do not remove the proxy functionality.
Bright Data defends its practices, claiming users give consent through an opt-in screen.
Spur disputes Bright Data's claim, arguing the consent prompts are not transparent.
- Who
- LG, Bright Data, Spur
- What
- LG is removing apps that use TVs as residential proxies
- Where
- Global
- When
- Recently confirmed by LG
- Why
- To prevent apps from using TVs as internet relays for someone else's traffic
LG and Security Experts
Bright Data
Consent and Transparency
LG and Security Experts
LG and security experts argue that the consent prompts are buried and not transparent, especially for children.
Bright Data
Bright Data claims users provide consent through an opt-in screen and that customers undergo a vetting process.
Key facts
- Company
- LG
- Issue
- Apps using TVs as residential proxies
- Percentage of Affected Apps
- 42%
- Platforms Affected
- webOS, Tizen
- LG's Response
- Removing apps with proxy functionality
- Bright Data's Defense
- Claims users provide consent and customers are vetted
Quotes
John Taylor
Senior Vice President of LG
“Developers who do not remove the proxy functionality from their apps will have those applications removed from the webOS Store.”
firstpost.com
Sources
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