Texas has filed lawsuits against several big TV brands, accusing them of spying on what people watch. The case names Sony, Samsung, LG, Hisense, and TCL, alleging that they used tracking technology without asking for permission.
The complaints point to Automated Content Recognition (ACR), a software that can take screenshots of what’s on the screen every half second. It then monitors viewing habits in real time and sends the data back to company servers. Reports say the info is later sold to advertisers for targeted ads.
Attorney General Ken Paxton called the practice invasive and unlawful. He also raised concerns about Chinese-owned Hisense and TCL, noting that China’s National Security Law could give the government access to U.S. consumer data.
This isn’t the first time smart TVs have been in trouble for tracking. Back in 2017, Vizio paid $2.2 million to settle charges after secretly collecting viewing data from millions of households. The FTC later advised consumers to check privacy settings on connected devices.
Also Read: Samsung TV Plus celebrates first year in Southeast Asia with 13 new channels
The Texas lawsuits highlight growing worries about how smart TVs and other connected gadgets handle personal data.
As these devices become more common, regulators are keeping a closer eye on whether companies are upfront about what they collect and how they use it.
Source: 1
