● Covered by 4 sources · 4 reportsMedium impact3 neutral
LG to Suspend Smart TV Apps Using Residential Proxies
Key points
- LG to suspend apps using residential proxy SDKs on smart TVs
- Over 42% of LG's webOS apps had proxy functionality
- Samsung's Tizen also found to host similar apps
LG's Decision to Act Against Residential Proxies
LG Electronics USA announced it will suspend any smart TV apps that incorporate residential proxy features. This decision follows a study by Spur, which identified that more than 42% of apps on their webOS platform allow third-parties to use user TVs as proxy nodes.
Background on Residential Proxies
Residential proxies enable third-parties to route internet traffic through a user's device, often used for purposes like anonymizing online activity or scraping web data. Research indicated a significant number of games and apps on LG's platform used software development kits that facilitated this function.
Spur's findings also highlighted that similar risks existed within Samsung's Tizen OS, indicating a broader issue within the smart TV app market.
LG's Response to the Findings
In response to these findings, LG's senior vice president, John Taylor, emphasized that residential proxy networks are not a legitimate use case for their devices. LG is working closely with developers to ensure the removal of such features from all affected apps.
Taylor stated that failure to comply with this initiative would result in app suspensions as part of their commitment to improving platform integrity.
Impact and Future Steps
By addressing the integration of residential proxies, LG aims to bolster user confidence in their smart TV products and enhance the overall quality of the platform.
The company is reviewing app submissions more stringently, aiming to mitigate risks associated with unauthorized internet use and user data exposure.
Conclusion
This proactive approach by LG serves as a reminder to app developers about the importance of compliance with platform policies, particularly concerning user privacy and security. As the situation evolves, both LG and Samsung could shape the future of app development in the smart TV sector.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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Primary sources
GitHub uuidjs/uuidHow outlets covered it
Samsung announced it will ban smart TV apps that can turn users' devices into residential proxies, following a vulnerability discovery by Mnemonic. This action addresses a security concern where third-party apps could route external web traffic through a user's home internet connection, making it appear to originate from their IP address.
Samsung has started banning smart TV apps that contain code to share users' internet connections with third parties, following new security research. This action addresses a vulnerability where apps turn smart TVs into residential proxy network exit nodes, potentially exposing users to cybercrime risks.
LG announced it will suspend smart TV applications that covertly use customer devices as residential proxies, following research by cybersecurity firm Spur that found nearly half of LG apps contained proxy code. This issue, which also affects Samsung's Tizen operating system, allows third-party apps to route internet traffic through users' TVs without explicit consent, posing privacy and security risks. The move by LG aims to curb the unauthorized use of smart TVs for commercial scraping, scalping, or hiding malicious activity.
LG Electronics USA will ban apps on its smart TVs that use residential proxy technology after research revealed over 42% of apps on its webOS store included such features. This decision aims to enhance user security and ensure that smart TVs are not misused as proxy nodes.