South korea: Samsung, the South Korean electronics giant, has announced a ban on applications that exploit its smart TV users' internet connections by sharing them with third parties. This decision comes in the wake of security research that uncovered apps leveraging software to convert devices into gateways for internet traffic without the users' consent.
According to Qatar News Agency, Samsung has identified that certain applications available in its app store utilize code based on Residential Proxy Networks (RPNs). RPN technology allows the rerouting of other users' internet traffic through the home or office device's connection, potentially posing risks to user privacy and security.
Samsung has confirmed the cessation of new app registrations that employ this software. Furthermore, the company is actively working to remove existing apps with such functionalities and is implementing stricter policies to avert their use. The company has warned of the potential misuse of this technology for malicious purposes.
This move by Samsung follows a similar action taken by LG, highlighting the increasing concerns over the threats some applications pose to the privacy and security of smart device users.