Samsung TV Privacy Policy Update: Ensuring Texans’ Data is Collected with Express Consent

Samsung Settles Allegations with Texas Over Smart TV Data Collection

Samsung has reached a settlement agreement with the State of Texas regarding the alleged unlawful collection of content-viewing information through its smart TVs. The agreement entails Samsung revising its privacy disclosures to provide clear explanations of its data collection and processing practices to consumers.

Last December, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against various TV manufacturers, including Samsung, accusing them of using Automated Content Recognition (ACR) technology to collect and process viewing data without obtaining express, informed consent from consumers.

In response to the lawsuit, Texas obtained a temporary restraining order (TRO) against Samsung in January to halt the unauthorized collection of consumer data in the state, citing a violation of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA). Although the TRO was subsequently lifted, the legal action against Samsung continued.

The allegations against Samsung centered around the use of ACR technology to capture screenshots of consumers’ TVs to determine their viewing habits, which was then utilized for targeted advertising purposes.

During the case, the Court found that Samsung had enrolled customers in the system using deceptive tactics, requiring over 200 clicks across multiple menus to access privacy statements and disclosures, a practice referred to as “dark patterns.”

In a statement to BleepingComputer, Samsung expressed its commitment to consumer privacy and security, noting that it has agreed to enhance its privacy disclosures despite maintaining that its Viewing Information Services (VIS) system did not breach regulations.

As part of the settlement, Samsung must cease the collection and processing of ACR viewing data without obtaining explicit consent from Texas consumers. The agreement also mandates the prompt update of smart TVs to include clear and conspicuous disclosures and consent screens, enabling consumers to make informed decisions about their data usage.

Texas AG Ken Paxton praised Samsung for implementing consumer safeguards and emphasized the importance of transparency in data collection practices. He pointed out that other smart TV manufacturers, such as Sony, LG, Hisense, and TCL Technologies, have yet to make similar adjustments in response to the legal proceedings.

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