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Declining LG's New Ad-friendly Privacy Policy Removes Features From Smart TVs

Posted by Unknown on from the apt-get-install-xbmc dept.

BUL2294 (1081735) writes "Techdirt and Consumerist posted articles about a user in the UK who, after a firmware update to his 2-year old LG Smart TV, declined their new Privacy Policy, only to find that most Internet-connected features (e.g. BBC iPlayer, Skype) of the TV now no longer work. From the Techdirt article: 'Does a manufacturer have the right to "brick" certain integral services just because the end user doesn't feel comfortable sharing a bunch of info with LG and other, unnamed third parties? LG certainly feels it has the right to do this. In fact, it makes no secret of this in its long Privacy Policy — a document that spends more time discussing the lack thereof, rather than privacy itself. The opening paragraph makes this perfectly clear.' To add, even declining the policy still results in non-specified information being sent to LG. LG's policy of spying on the viewing habits of customers, along with sending filenames of videos stored on USB devices connected to TVs, was previously discussed on Slashdot."

9 of 221 comments (clear)

  1. Send it back.... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Return the TV for a full refund. Under UK law you cannot impose conditions after the point of sale.

    It looks like people are going to need 3 VLANs soon... One for WiFi, one for computers with private information and a 3rd with no external access except to addresses specifically allowed.

    1. Re:Send it back.... by gstoddart · · Score: 5, Insightful

      How would I know if they were selling my viewing habits anyway?

      You can probably assume that if you connected it to the internet, that it is.

      I seem to remember a story not so long ago where even if you said "no, I don't want to", some devices did anyway.

      Assume corporations are greedy and evil, and don't give a damn what you want. They probably are.

      --
      Lost at C:>. Found at C.
    2. Re:Send it back.... by Lumpy · · Score: 5, Insightful

      The answer is never buy a smart TV. They offer no advantages over a dumb TV and a Roku box and only offer disadvantages.

      --
      Do not look at laser with remaining good eye.
    3. Re:Send it back.... by erikkemperman · · Score: 5, Insightful

      srsly, some tvs have a video camera for skype? talk about a telescreen. you never know when they're watching, so you have to assume they're watching all the time.

      Yeah mine has a camera and mic. But I have duct tape, so that's all right.

      --
      Gosh, thanks. That must be why the other ships call me Meatfucker -- GCU Grey Area (Eccentric)
  2. Nope. by Mitreya · · Score: 5, Funny

    Does a manufacturer have the right to "brick" certain integral services just because the end user doesn't feel comfortable sharing a bunch of info with LG and other, unnamed third parties?

    Of course they don't.
    I am sure that just in 3-4 years, after a lawsuit, affected customers will be able to get a $7.50 credit good towards purchase of a new LG TV.

  3. Re:It's not a privacy policy by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Terms of use for physical product changed after purchase in such a way as to cripple said product? That's called "bait and switch."

  4. Why I won't own one ... by gstoddart · · Score: 5, Interesting

    The primary purpose of an internet connected TV is to generate ad revenue and marketing data about you -- or at least in my cynical view it is.

    Basically they've said "if you don't consent to give us this data, we're taking away features". Probably because they can't (or won't) make the services work without it, and it's just easier to cut you off.

    Connected devices have always been a huge privacy hole, and an opportunity to have someone continue to make money off you after they've sold you the TV.

    It's also why my last TV wasn't a "smart" TV. My TV receives inputs from sources, but otherwise is essentially just a monitor with speakers.

    I view this as more or less a predictable outcome of smart TVs, because companies view them as something you're using under license, and will only give you these services if they're getting what they want in return.

    --
    Lost at C:>. Found at C.
  5. Does a manufacturer have the right? by cardpuncher · · Score: 5, Informative

    No. Not in UK law, I'm pretty sure, though IANAL.

    The Data Protection Act (DPA) means you have to be able to opt out of this kind of intrusive data harvesting and if the disabling of advertised functionality isn't covered by the Sale of Goods Act, it would seem that the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations would apply. The DPA applies to your relationship with the data processor (LG) while the functionality of the TV is the responsibility of the retailer.

    The correct remedy would be to return the TV to the retailer and demand a refund or a "repair" and to go to the small claims court if they refuse. LG won't be happy when retailers start pushing back.

  6. Block their addresses by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Informative

    Most consumer routers have a simple blacklist for ip's per pc ip. Simply block their addresses. Google them or run a wireshark on an isolated hub+pc and make note.

    I have and LG TV and the new eula needs someone to go after it. It even sends audio recording if you use the mic to their servers.