An investigation by Gamers Nexus found LG smart TVs sweep local networks to map phones and nearby devices. Tests also showed the sets can capture microphone audio with the screen off — they then upload data once reconnected to the internet.
    • codydodd@lemmy.ca
      0·
      7 days ago

      Shoshana Zuboff’s Surveillance Capitalism will be work remembered 500 years from now… we didnt heed the warnings.

    • who@feddit.orgEnglish
      0·
      7 days ago

      Unfortunately, the TVs could still be programmed to opportunistically use open wifi, from a neigbor or passing car or smartphone for example.

      And if manufacturers haven’t already included cell network radios, they could easily do so.

      Repeat after me: Prefer dumb displays over smart TVs.

    • BCsven@lemmy.ca
      0·
      8 days ago

      Yeah even 10 years ago a researcher found if you plug in a USB drive with movies it was sending the file list to some lg IP address. And collecting all device names/MAC via Samba protocol.

      • OwOarchist@pawb.socialEnglish
        0·
        8 days ago

        if you plug in a USB drive with movies it was sending the file list to some lg IP address

        The movie names on my USB:

        • ']DROP

        • TABLE

        • USERS

      • historicaldocuments@lemmy.world
        0·
        8 days ago

        And this will have exactly the same effect where almost nobody changes their purchassing habits with regards to LG products. When the 6G cell tower network is rolled out1 the chances of detecting bullshit like this will drop to zero.

        [1] The 6G network will use very, very high frequencies for communication. This means the range will be greatly reduced and more towers will be needed, but the bandwidth will be much larger. There has already been discussion about there being no need for in-home wifi since the coverage will be good enough with 6G that a personal wifi router wouldn’t be needed, and equipment for sweeping for 6G devices will not be cheap.