Samsung (Smart TVs / SmartThings)

Texas sued Samsung in December 2025 alleging its smart TVs used automated content recognition (ACR) to capture what was on screen and send viewing data back without real consent - and that turning it off took more than 15 clicks across four or more menus while turning it on took one. Samsung settled in February 2026 without paying a penalty, agreeing to stop collecting Texans' ACR viewing data unless they give express, informed opt-in consent and to push software updates with clear consent screens. Samsung denies its TVs spy on consumers.

• Severity
• Evidence tierUnassigned
• Claims confirmed
• Last verified2026-10-16

Primary source. texasattorneygeneral.gov/news/releases/attorney-general-ken-paxton-secures-major-agreement-lg-protect-texans-privacy-and-stop-data-being — Unverified - heuristic first draft.

Arbitration

Not verified this pass

Data sharing

ALLEGED (settled): ACR viewing-data collection without informed consent; opt-out allegedly buried behind 15+ clicks. Privacy policy discloses ad-network tracking across sites/devices and offers U.S. opt-outs of sale, cross-context behavioral ad sharing and targeted advertising.

Contacts

Privacy contact. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., 129 Samsung-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do 16677, Republic of Korea (data controller per privacy policy)

Legal notice. Not verified this pass. Privacy policy lists data controller: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., 129 Samsung-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do 16677, Republic of Korea. U.S. subsidiary registered agent not verified.

Mailing address. Not recorded.