Computing

LG monitor software automatically installs McAfee adware without user consent

LG UltraGear monitors automatically install the LG Monitor App Installer via Windows Update without user consent or notification. Once installed, the application frequently displays pop-up advertisements for McAfee security software upon system boot. The installer requires permissions to access all system resources and the user's internet connection, and it collects various data points, including device information, geolocation, online activity, and user credentials. This behavior is not unique to the monitor; similar practices have been observed across LG's smart TV lineup, where the company has implemented advertisements into screensavers and forced the installation of unremovable software like Microsoft Copilot. These actions have led to multiple class-action lawsuits against LG in the United States, alleging that the company engages in unauthorized data harvesting and surveillance. The software's terms of service place the burden on the user to obtain consent from third parties whose voices may be captured by the device, further complicating privacy concerns. The company's history of such practices dates back to at least 2013, when it was discovered that LG smart TVs were logging USB filenames and transmitting viewing data to LG servers.

Tech4K StaffVideo report

LG UltraGear monitors automatically install the LG Monitor App Installer via Windows Update without user consent or notification. Once installed, the application frequently displays pop-up advertisements for McAfee security software upon system boot. The installer requires permissions to access all system resources and the user's internet connection, and it collects various data points, including device information, geolocation, online activity, and user credentials. This behavior is not unique to the monitor; similar practices have been observed across LG's smart TV lineup, where the company has implemented advertisements into screensavers and forced the installation of unremovable software like Microsoft Copilot. These actions have led to multiple class-action lawsuits against LG in the United States, alleging that the company engages in unauthorized data harvesting and surveillance. The software's terms of service place the burden on the user to obtain consent from third parties whose voices may be captured by the device, further complicating privacy concerns. The company's history of such practices dates back to at least 2013, when it was discovered that LG smart TVs were logging USB filenames and transmitting viewing data to LG servers.

LG UltraGear monitors automatically install the LG Monitor App Installer via Windows Update without user consent. The installed application frequently displays pop-up advertisements for McAfee security software upon system startup.

The software requests broad permissions to access all system resources and the user's internet connection. LG's data collection policies include gathering geolocation, device data, online activity, and user credentials.

Similar practices, including forced software installations and advertisements, have been documented on LG smart TVs. Multiple class-action lawsuits have been filed against LG in the United States regarding these data harvesting practices.

Chapter guide

Introduction to the issueThe presenter introduces the LG UltraGear monitor and the discovery of pre-installed adware.Windows Update and McAfeeThe video demonstrates how Windows Update silently installs the LG Monitor App Installer, which then promotes McAfee.App permissions and data collectionAn analysis of the permissions and data collection policies associated with the LG Monitor App Installer.LG smart TV updates and privacyA discussion on how LG's smart TV updates include AI-based service terms and pop-up advertisements.Legal actions against LGAn overview of the class-action lawsuits and settlements involving LG's data collection practices.Verification of the issueThe presenter confirms the automatic installation of the app on multiple systems.Preventing automatic installationInstructions on how to use the Windows Group Policy Editor to block automatic device app installations.Historical contextA look back at LG's history of improper data collection on smart TVs dating back to 2013.

Worth noting

  • The presenter notes that while they have confirmed the automatic installation of the app, they do not have evidence that the monitor is capturing pixels from the screen.
  • The list of affected monitor models is based on user reports and is not an exhaustive list from the manufacturer.

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