Recent investigations reveal that some free apps on Samsung and LG smart TVs covertly turn devices into residential proxy nodes, raising significant privacy and security risks for users.
Installing free apps on a smart TV may seem harmless, but recent scrutiny from Samsung and LG shows that some titles can go far beyond streaming, weather and games. According to TechCrunch, Samsung has banned several apps after finding code that shared users’ internet connections with outside parties without consent. Digital Trends reported that LG has also moved to suspend apps after a separate investigation suggested that some webOS store titles were quietly turning televisions into residential proxy nodes. For users, the practical lesson is simple: an app can be more than a piece of entertainment software; it can also become part of the home network itself.
That matters because modern televisions are connected devices with persistent access to the internet, account data and household networks. In the cases highlighted by the technology press, the concern was not only privacy but also the possibility that traffic could be routed through a viewer’s connection without a clear explanation. That can create slower performance, unexpected network activity and, in some circumstances, an association between the household IP address and online actions the owner did not intend. The greater risk tends to sit with obscure, lightly reviewed or poorly maintained apps rather than well-known streaming services.
RTINGS has separately warned that smart TVs often collect behavioural data even when people use an external streaming box, because the television’s own operating system may still track usage patterns. Its research also notes that external devices can collect information too, which means the issue is broader than the TV set alone. That makes privacy settings worth reviewing on both the television and any connected player, especially for features such as content recognition, advertising personalisation and voice-related data collection.
The safest approach is to treat a smart TV like any other internet-connected computer. Install only reputable apps from identifiable developers, check when the software was last updated and remove anything unused. Keep the television’s firmware current, since manufacturers issue security patches that can close vulnerabilities and change how apps are handled. For users who want tighter control, a separate streaming device may help simplify management, although it does not eliminate data collection entirely. The underlying point is unchanged: a television now has the same security and privacy responsibilities as a phone, tablet or laptop.
Disclaimer: This content is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to exercise their own judgement, conduct due diligence, or consult a qualified expert before acting on any information provided.
