Smart TV owners often assume their devices are simple entertainment hubs, not potential conduits for third-party internet traffic. However, recent findings have exposed a widespread issue where apps on popular smart TV platforms integrate residential proxy SDKs, effectively turning users' televisions into part of a larger proxy network. ### The Proxy Problem Uncovered Security firm **Spur** recently published research highlighting the prevalence of residential proxy software development kits (SDKs) within smart TV applications. Their investigation revealed that more than 42% of apps available on **LG**'s **webOS** store included SDKs designed to transform the user's TV into an indefinite proxy node. Similarly, over a quarter of apps for **Samsung**'s **Tizen OS** were found to contain comparable residential proxy components.  These SDKs, often bundled into seemingly innocuous apps like games, screensavers, and file utilities, allow third parties to route their internet traffic through the user's device. This practice is typically employed by residential proxy providers who pay developers to include these SDKs as a monetization strategy. ### LG's Response and Commitment In response to **Spur**'s findings, **LG Senior Vice President John Taylor** confirmed that **LG Electronics** is actively working with app developers to remove residential proxy options from their applications on the **webOS** platform. Developers who fail to comply will face app suspension. "A residential proxy network is not an intended use for LG smart TVs, and LG Electronics is working with developers to remove the residential proxy option from their apps on the webOS platform," Taylor stated. He emphasized **LG**'s commitment to preventing such networks in future smart TV apps and highlighted that the company's review process is already "well underway." Taylor added, "As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance platform quality and the user experience, LG will continue to strengthen our evaluation process for developer-submitted apps, including those that incorporate residential proxy SDKs." ### The Monetization Model and Privacy Implications App developers are incentivized by residential proxy providers, such as **Bright Data** (identified by **Spur** as a major player in this space), who pay for the integration of these SDKs. This allows the providers to rent out access to these residential proxy nodes to paying customers, often for activities like content scraping.  While proxy companies assert they employ rigorous know-your-customer processes and technical safeguards to prevent malicious use or interaction with other local network devices, **Spur** argues the core issue lies in the lack of transparency and user control on smart TV platforms. **Spur**'s **Trevor Sutter** articulated this concern: "A one-time consent prompt buried in a TV app is not a substitute for meaningful transparency, ongoing control, and platform oversight. The risk is amplified when consent comes from individuals within the household who use the device but shouldn’t give consent, such as minors." ### Broader Concerns for LG While **LG**'s proactive stance on residential proxy SDKs is a positive development, the company has recently faced scrutiny over other questionable software practices. Earlier this week, the YouTube channel **Gamers Nexus** highlighted that certain **LG** LCD monitors automatically install an application promoting paid **McAfee** antivirus subscriptions via Windows Update, without explicit user approval. This incident further underscores the need for greater transparency and user control over software bundled with connected devices.