Nearly Half of Apps Across LG and Samsung TV’S are Selling Your IP Address

Cybersecuritynews •Abinaya • June 23, 2026

New research found that 2,058 of 6,038 apps across the LG webOS and Samsung Tizen ecosystems included residential proxy SDKs, effectively turning smart TVs into exit nodes for third-party internet traffic. On screen, these apps look like harmless fish tanks, clocks, solitaire games, and puppies. However, under the hood, they operate as nodes in commercial […]

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LG and Samsung Smart TV Apps Exploit Users' IP Addresses via Proxy SDKs A recent analysis revealed that 2,058 out of 6,038 apps on LG webOS and Samsung Tizen platforms contain residential proxy SDKs, which allow these apps to monetize users' internet traffic. The study found that 42.5% of LG apps and 26.9% of Samsung apps are involved. These apps, which appear harmless (like fish tanks or clocks), covertly transform smart TVs into proxy nodes, raising significant privacy and security concerns. Users are often unaware of the implications of granting consent, as the proxy software continues to operate even after the app is closed. This situation highlights a gap in user awareness regarding the risks associated with smart TV applications. Companies like Bright Data and Honeygain are identified as major players in this proxy SDK market. The findings suggest a need for stricter regulations and user education regarding smart device applications. 4 sources 68

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LG WebOS Samsung Tizen