LG to Suspend Smart TV Apps After 42% Were Found Using Proxy SDKs
Updated
Updated · Krebs on Security · Jul 21
LG to Suspend Smart TV Apps After 42% Were Found Using Proxy SDKs
3 articles · Updated · Krebs on Security · Jul 21
Summary
LG Electronics USA said apps on its webOS TV platform will be suspended if developers do not remove software that turns televisions into always-on residential proxy nodes.
Spur researchers found more than 42% of apps in LG’s smart TV store contained proxy SDKs that let unknown third parties route internet traffic through users’ TVs indefinitely.
LG said its app review is already underway and that it is working with developers to strip out the proxy option while tightening screening for future submissions.
Spur said the issue is less the existence of proxy networks than their large-scale embedding in household devices users rarely audit, with consent prompts offering limited transparency and control.
The findings also showed more than a quarter of Samsung Tizen apps had similar components, underscoring broader smart-TV app store scrutiny.