LG Television sale of personal data: Difference between revisions
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==Summary== | ==Summary== | ||
[[File:LG G3 oled privacy settings.png|alt=The LG G3 OLED defaults to a setting of "do not sell my personal information" being off, meaning it is configured to allow the sale of personal information by default. |thumb|The LG G3 OLED defaults to a setting of "do not sell my personal information" being off, meaning it is configured to allow the sale of personal information by default.]] | [[File:LG G3 oled privacy settings.png|alt=The LG G3 OLED defaults to a setting of "do not sell my personal information" being off, meaning it is configured to allow the sale of personal information by default. |thumb|The LG G3 OLED defaults to a setting of "do not sell my personal information" being off, meaning it is configured to allow the sale of personal information by default.]] | ||
The '''LG G3 OLED''', a flagship television priced at '''$3,600+[https://www.lg.com/us/tvs/lg-oled77g3pua-oled-4k-tv]''', is configured '''out of the box''' to collect and sell user data without explicit consumer consent<ref name="the-markup">[https://themarkup.org/privacy/2023/12/12/your-smart-tv-knows-what-youre-watching "Your Smart TV Knows What You’re Watching"] ''The Markup.'' Retrieved 30 January 2025.</ref> | The '''LG G3 OLED''', a flagship television priced at '''$3,600+[https://www.lg.com/us/tvs/lg-oled77g3pua-oled-4k-tv]''', is configured '''out of the box''' to collect and sell user data without explicit consumer consent.<ref name="the-markup">[https://themarkup.org/privacy/2023/12/12/your-smart-tv-knows-what-youre-watching "Your Smart TV Knows What You’re Watching"] ''The Markup.'' Retrieved 30 January 2025.</ref> The TV gathers data on viewing habits and interactions, sharing this information with third-party advertisers.<ref name="consumer-reports">[https://www.consumerreports.org/electronics/privacy/how-to-turn-off-smart-tv-snooping-features-a4840102036 "How to Turn Off Smart TV Snooping Features"] ''Consumer Reports.'' Retrieved 30 January 2025.</ref> Users must manually disable tracking through multiple settings menus, a process that requires navigating through a series of privacy settings buried deep within the interface<ref>[https://www.lg.com/us/caprivacy-detail "California Privacy Policy" - LG Electronics US]</ref>. | ||
This practice violates the privacy rights of LG's customers: | This practice violates the privacy rights of LG's customers: | ||
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==Data Collection Practices== | ==Data Collection Practices== | ||
The LG G3 OLED includes a feature known as '''Automatic Content Recognition (ACR)''', branded as '''Live Plus'''<ref | The LG G3 OLED includes a feature known as '''Automatic Content Recognition (ACR)''', branded as '''Live Plus'''.<ref name="consumer-reports" /> This system: | ||
*'''Monitors all content displayed on the TV''', including streaming services, cable, and external devices. | *'''Monitors all content displayed on the TV''', including streaming services, cable, and external devices. | ||
*'''Transmits viewing data to LG’s servers''', where it is analyzed and used for targeted advertising. | *'''Transmits viewing data to LG’s servers''', where it is analyzed and used for targeted advertising. | ||
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This intentionally cumbersome process can result in users remaining opted in who would otherwise not consent to this practice. Industry research confirms that many smart TVs employ similar tactics to keep consumers from opting out of data tracking<ref | This intentionally cumbersome process can result in users remaining opted in who would otherwise not consent to this practice. Industry research confirms that many smart TVs employ similar tactics to keep consumers from opting out of data tracking.<ref name="consumer-reports" /> | ||
==Industry Comparison== | ==Industry Comparison== | ||
LG’s data collection practices are part of a '''wider industry trend'''. Other major smart TV manufacturers engage in similar behaviors: | LG’s data collection practices are part of a '''wider industry trend'''. Other major smart TV manufacturers engage in similar behaviors: | ||
*'''Samsung''' – Uses "Viewing Information Services" to track content watched and target ads<ref | *'''Samsung''' – Uses "Viewing Information Services" to track content watched and target ads.<ref name="consumer-reports" /> | ||
*'''Vizio''' – Previously fined by the FTC for collecting and selling user data without consumer consent<ref>[https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2017/02/vizio-pay-22-million-ftc-state-new-jersey-settle-charges-it-collected-viewing-histories-consumers "FTC vs. Vizio, 2017"]</ref>. | *'''Vizio''' – Previously fined by the FTC for collecting and selling user data without consumer consent<ref>[https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2017/02/vizio-pay-22-million-ftc-state-new-jersey-settle-charges-it-collected-viewing-histories-consumers "FTC vs. Vizio, 2017"]</ref>. | ||
*'''Roku''' – Default settings enable personalized ad tracking and data collection, making opt-out difficult.<ref name="the-markup" /> | *'''Roku''' – Default settings enable personalized ad tracking and data collection, making opt-out difficult.<ref name="the-markup" /> | ||
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==Consumer Impact== | ==Consumer Impact== | ||
The LG G3 OLED’s '''pre-enabled data collection''' raises concerns about consumer rights: | The LG G3 OLED’s '''pre-enabled data collection''' raises concerns about consumer rights: | ||
*'''Loss of Privacy''': Users’ viewing habits are tracked without clear, upfront disclosure<ref | *'''Loss of Privacy''': Users’ viewing habits are tracked without clear, upfront disclosure.<ref name="consumer-reports" /> | ||
*'''Difficult Opt-Out''': LG TV owners must take deliberate action to disable tracking, often without clear guidance.<ref name="the-markup" /> | *'''Difficult Opt-Out''': LG TV owners must take deliberate action to disable tracking, often without clear guidance.<ref name="the-markup" /> | ||
*'''Blurred Ownership Rights''': The TV functions as a data collection device rather than simply a television, raising questions about whether consumers truly "own" their devices or are just leasing them while providing data as a form of payment<ref>[https://www.lg.com/us/caprivacy-detail "California Privacy Policy" - LG Electronics US]</ref>. | *'''Blurred Ownership Rights''': The TV functions as a data collection device rather than simply a television, raising questions about whether consumers truly "own" their devices or are just leasing them while providing data as a form of payment<ref>[https://www.lg.com/us/caprivacy-detail "California Privacy Policy" - LG Electronics US]</ref>. | ||
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==References== | ==References== | ||
{{reflist}} | |||
[[Category:LG]] | |||