LG Purges Smart TV Apps That Turn Televisions Into Hidden Proxy Nodes
LG Electronics USA is cracking down on apps that convert smart TVs into residential proxy nodes, allowing third parties to route internet traffic through a user's home network. These apps, often marketed as free tools or utilities, frequently monetize by silently enrolling devices into large-scale proxy networks, which can lead to performance issues and potential legal or security risks for the owner. Following recent security findings that exposed these practices, LG has committed to suspending any applications found engaging in this behavior to prioritize consumer privacy and device security.