Parker Waichman LLP

Over Consumer Objections, LG Smart TVs Collect Data on Viewing Habits

Some owners of LG Smart TVs have filed legal complaints, saying their viewing data was mined and sent to LG without their knowledge or that they lost access to key TV features when they declined to accept LG’s privacy policy. The company previously admitted to collecting viewing information without the consumer’s knowledge. LG said Smart […]

LG-Smart-TVSome owners of LG Smart TVs have filed legal complaints, saying their viewing data was mined and sent to LG without their knowledge or that they lost access to key TV features when they declined to accept LG’s privacy policy.

The company previously admitted to collecting viewing information without the consumer’s knowledge. LG said Smart TVs were collecting data for the purpose of customizing the advertising consumers would see on their television screens. LG apologized, promising to update the TVs to allow viewers to disable the data-collection feature.

The data collection surfaced when a tech blogger discovered his viewing information was being sent to LG’s servers by his routers. The Smart TV, he explains, collects information in much the same way web sites collect information from computers through the use of cookies. But the blogger found that the Smart TV continued collecting data even after he followed the steps to activate the privacy settings, according to Digital Trends and unencrypted information was being sent to LG every time he changed the channel. Personal file and folder names, which contained family information, were sent to LG when he connected a USB device to the Smart TV.

“ome Smart TV services may be restricted,” including Internet-based features like iPlayer, Skype, and 3D, LG warns, if the consumer does not agree to changes in the privacy policy. The Consumerist said this is LG’s attempt to retain the right to mine users’ viewing habits, even when users view cable or broadcast television, and to respond with advertising from within the LG Smart TV software.

To use certain Smart TV features, viewers have to create an LG SmartWorld account, which may be subject to additional terms.  They may have to provide such information as name, address, telephone number; date of birth, email address, and possibly credit card information or PayPal details, the company says. Under the agreement, LG can access Internet search data, which may be shared with third parties, The Consumerist reports.

 

 

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
Parker Waichman llp has been an outstanding law office , with their communicating , especially with nurse consultant " Joanne Stevens " concerning my accident
John Hartley
5 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I had a wonderful experience with ms burgess an will deal with this company again.
Butter Fly
a year ago
5 Star Reviews 150
On the Christmas Eve of 2015 I had a car accident I felt lost and confused. I had no idea what I was going to do or how I was going to get my car fixed. My supervisor referred me Jorge Peniche who works for Parker Waichman. He came to meet me at my house the same day I spoke to him and helped me till the end of my case. I was very pleased with the lawyers and Jillian was very helpful in the process, her and Jorge were ready to answer any of my questions. Thank you Parker and Waichman!!
Fanta Jondot
5 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038