![]() ![]() Microsoft recently released an Xbox One privacy statement confirming that data is collected from the chat, video, and communications features of live-hosted gameplay sessions. Increasingly “smart” video game consoles are also guilty of over sharing. The unfortunate reality is that the practice of collecting data for advertising purposes is a fairly common one, and smart TVs aren’t the only household tech gadgets that may be putting your security at risk. The soon-to-come update will fix this issue as well.ĭespite their initial security oversights, LG has been quick to respond to concerns and make changes necessary to protect their users’ privacy. ![]() That explains the TV usage data, but why is LG recording the names of private files stored on USB drives plugged into their smart TVs? LG once again confirmed that DoctorBeet’s findings were correct, and said that this data was being collected for a feature that was never actually implemented. This data is used to “deliver more relevant advertisements and to offer recommendations to viewers based on what other LG Smart TV owners are watching.” The fact that this data was being transmitted after a user had explicitly opted out was labeled by LG as a “problem,” and they’ve said they are working on an update to solve it. In answer to the findings, LG released a statement on November 21st acknowledging that their Smart TVs were transmitting the viewing information of their customers such as channels, TV platforms, and broadcast sources. Last month, security blogger DoctorBeet discovered that his LG Smart TV was sending private data back to LG, even when a menu option titled “Collection of watching info” was set to “off.” Specifically, data showing when a channel was changed, to what channel it was changed, and the file names of documents stored on USB drives connected to the TV were being collected and passed along to LG. Deals abound on gadgets and gizmos in the wintry weeks before Christmas, but could that shiny new toy on your loved one’s wish list put the whole family’s security at risk? Smart TVs will undoubtedly be one of the more hot ticket items this season, but a recently discovered security vulnerability in the LG Smart TV reminds us that when it comes to new tech gadgets, “smart” doesn’t always equate to “more secure.” ![]()
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