Cyber: Samsung Tvs To Stop Collecting Texans’ Data Without Express Consent

Samsung and the State of Texas have reached a settlement agreement over the alleged unlawful collection of content-viewing information through its smart TVs

Last December, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against several TV manufacturers, including Samsung, alleging that they use Automated Content Recognition (ACR) technology to collect and process viewing data without first obtaining their express, informed consent.

In January, Texas obtained a short-lived temporary restraining order (TRO) against Samsung to stop the unlawful collection of consumer data in the state, confirming a violation of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA).

Although the order was vacated on the following day, the lawsuit remained active.

The allegations against Samsung were that it uses ACR technology to capture screenshots of consumers’ TVs to determine what they’re watching. The South Korean tech giant would use this information for targeted advertising.

“As part of the agreement, Samsung must halt any collection or processing of ACR viewing data without obtaining Texas consumers’ express consent,” announced Texas AG Ken Paxton.

“Additionally, it compels Samsung to promptly update its smart TVs and implement disclosures and consent screens that are clear and conspicuous to ensure that Texans can make an informed decision regarding whether their data is collected and how it’s used.”

Paxton commended Samsung for agreeing to implement consumer safeguards, while he underlined that others haven’t moved with a similar fervor as of yet.

Smart TV manufacturers, including Sony, LG, Hisense, and TCL Technologies, have not made any changes in response to the lawsuits yet.

Malware is getting smarter. The Red Report 2026 reveals how new threats use math to detect sandboxes and hide in plain sight.

Source: BleepingComputer