Smart TVs Exploited by Free Apps to Fuel AI with Stolen Web Data
| Source: Mastodon | Original article
Smart TVs are being turned into web-scraping proxies via free apps.
Free apps on smart TVs are secretly turning devices into web-scraping proxies for AI companies, according to recent research. This is not the first time such practices have been uncovered, as we previously reported on similar issues with AI development and data collection. As of February 27, it was discovered that certain smart TV apps, including those on Samsung and LG platforms, enroll devices into a commercial residential proxy network used for web data scraping.
The latest findings reveal that Bright Data, a company marketing data heavily to the AI industry, embeds its SDK in consumer apps, turning devices into exit nodes that relay web-scraping traffic. This raises significant concerns about user consent and data privacy, as many users are unaware that their devices are being used for such purposes.
What's worth watching next is how regulatory bodies and manufacturers respond to these findings, and whether they will take steps to increase transparency and protect user data. As the AI industry continues to grow, it's essential to ensure that data collection practices are ethical and secure. With the recent Gartner Hype Cycle indicating that AI is heading into the Trough of Disillusionment, this issue may further impact the industry's reputation and development.
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