Texas Sues Top TV Makers Over Alleged Smart TV Data Snooping

Texas Sues TV Makers Over Alleged Smart TV Surveillance Yesterday, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed lawsuits against five major television manufacturers, accusing them of collecting personal data from viewers without consent. The suits target Samsung, LG, Sony, Hisense, and TCL, which collectively control a significant share of the global TV market. The lawsuits claim that the companies' use of Automated Content Recognition (ACR) technology allows them to capture screenshots of users' television displays every 500 milliseconds, monitor viewing activity in real-time, and transmit that information back to the companies without users' knowledge or consent. This data is then sold to advertisers to target specific audiences. According to a report by Statista, the global smart TV market is projected to reach 1.3 billion units by 2025, with Samsung, LG, and Sony dominating the market share. The Texas lawsuits seek damages of up to $10,000 per violation, which could potentially add up to millions of dollars in fines for each company. The alleged surveillance practices have significant implications for the TV industry, which is increasingly reliant on data-driven advertising. The lawsuits highlight the tension between the need for targeted advertising and the need to protect consumers' personal data. As consumers become more aware of data collection practices, they may be less willing to purchase smart TVs or opt for more traditional, non-connected models. The five companies targeted in the lawsuits are among the largest players in the global TV market. Samsung, for example, is the leading TV brand in the United States, with a market share of around 30%. LG and Sony are also major players, with market shares of around 20% and 15%, respectively. Hisense and TCL are smaller but still significant players in the market. The future outlook for the TV industry is uncertain, as consumers become increasingly concerned about data collection and surveillance. While smart TVs offer a range of benefits, including streaming capabilities and voice control, the risks associated with data collection may outweigh these benefits for some consumers. As a result, TV manufacturers may need to rethink their data collection practices and develop more transparent and user-friendly interfaces. In response to the lawsuits, a spokesperson for Samsung stated that the company is committed to protecting consumers' data and will cooperate fully with the Texas Attorney General's office. The other companies targeted in the lawsuits have not yet commented on the allegations.