Advertising and user tracking have turned many smart TVs into serious privacy risks. Because these practices are increasingly common, we previously published a guide explaining how to reduce them—including the use of a traditional computer monitor instead of a smart TV. However, monitors are now adopting some of the same advertising and tracking practices that made smart TVs problematic in the first place.
Without stronger action from manufacturers—including clear privacy policies, transparent software installation practices, and limits on inappropriate advertising—computer monitors could move dangerously close to smart TV territory.
LG Monitor App Installer Raises Privacy Concerns
LG has faced criticism after reports indicated that some LG monitors were associated with McAfee pop-up advertisements appearing on connected computers. At least as early as 2024, some systems reportedly received an application called LG Monitor App Installer. The software appeared to be installed on connected PCs under the guise of a driver update delivered through Windows Update, according to reports from Microsoft’s community forum.
An LG spokesperson said the LG Monitor App Installer was designed to “make associated software available for customers to access monitor-specific features.” In practice, however, the application also delivered promotional messages and software advertisements to computers connected to LG monitors.
The advertised software may have been relevant to LG monitor owners. Users reportedly saw promotions for LG applications such as LG Switch and LG Dual Controller. Even so, the relevance of an advertisement does not necessarily justify installing software on a user’s computer—or displaying promotional messages—without clear consent.
Microsoft later required LG to remove McAfee advertisements from the application. However, the way LG Monitor App Installer appeared to distribute advertising software to third-party computers remains a significant privacy and trust concern.
The LG Monitor App Installer listing in the Microsoft Store states that the application “uses all system resources” and can “access your internet connection.” As criticism of the software grew, LG’s broader privacy practices also came under scrutiny, particularly over concerns that the application could collect user data or share it with advertisers.
However, the privacy policy currently linked from the Microsoft Store page says that “the app and the monitoring applications distributed through the app do not collect, use, store, or share personal information.” It adds that the notice will be updated if future versions introduce features involving the processing of personal information.
Source: arstechnica.com