Texas sues biggest TV makers, alleging smart TVs spy on users without consent

In a bold move, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has initiated legal proceedings against five prominent television manufacturers, accusing them of secretly monitoring users through their smart TVs without obtaining consent. The lawsuit targets industry giants Samsung, LG, Sony, Hisense, and TCL, marking a significant step in the ongoing debate about consumer privacy in the digital age. According to Paxton's office, these companies have been engaging in unlawful practices by utilizing Automated Content Recognition (ACR) technology to collect personal data. This technology, described as an 'invisible digital invader', has the capability to take screenshots of viewers' screens every 500 milliseconds, tracking their viewing habits in real time. Alarmingly, this information is then transmitted back to the companies without the users' awareness, enabling them to profit by selling this data for targeted advertising. The lawsuits allege violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, seeking significant damages that could reach up to $10,000 for each infraction, with penalties escalating to $250,000 for violations impacting individuals aged 65 and older. Furthermore, Texas is pursuing court orders to halt the collection, sharing, and sale of ACR data during the legal proceedings. Concerns surrounding privacy in smart TVs are not new. Advocacy groups, such as the Center for Digital Democracy, have previously highlighted that these devices are now equipped with built-in surveillance capabilities, positioning manufacturers at the forefront of data collection and digital marketing. In light of these revelations, a recent guide was released to help consumers disengage from smart TV advertisements and tracking mechanisms.