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Samsung bans smart TV apps that share users’ internet connections with strangers
Samsung is banning smart TV apps that share users' internet connections with strangers. Security research revealed that several popular apps, including a Pac-Man game, contained code that could turn TVs into proxies for third parties, risking users' data. Samsung is implementing strict policies to remove affected apps, following similar actions by LG against such vulnerabilities in smart TVs.
Key points
- Several Samsung smart TV apps were found to share user internet connections with outsiders, potentially compromising millions of devices.
- Research by Mnemonic revealed these apps use residential proxy networks, transmitting traffic through owners' connections, which could facilitate cybercrime.
- Some apps had minimal code, only designed to display content, while the harmful functionality remained hidden.
- Samsung is banning apps with such proxy functionalities and enhancing developer policies to prevent future incidents.
- Similar issues prompted LG to act on proxy app removals, indicating a broader industry challenge with smart TV security.
Why it matters
- Concerns about smart TV security are rising as cyber threats become more sophisticated, reflecting trends in 2025 IT related to data privacy and app security.
- The issue of residential proxies ties into broader discussions on internet censorship and the use of technology in data scraping for AI models.
- Past incidents in tech, such as the Cambridge Analytica scandal, highlight public sensitivity towards data privacy breaches and company accountability.
Samsung's proactive measures to remove harmful apps reflect growing concerns over cybersecurity in consumer devices, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations and user awareness as technology continues to evolve.