LG Smart TV accused on spying
LG is investigating claims that its Smart TV is sending data about owners’ viewing habits back to the manufacturer without authorization.
The TVs also reportedly uploaded information about the contents of devices attached to the TV.
The accusations come from a UK-based IT consultant who detailed the data on his online blog. He was told by the South Korean company that by using the TV he had accepted LG’s terms and conditions and any remaining concerns should be directed to the retailer.
However, if LG are collecting users’ data without authorization, they could be breaking the law.
David Cameron followed escorts on Twitter
The Prime Minister’s official Twitter account was found to be following a high class escort agency on Twitter.
It has been revealed the account for Carltons of London, which offers the ‘finest London escorts to gentleman of distinction’, was accidentally followed by David Cameron’s account.
Number 10 told the BBC the account had been followed due to an automated system, put in place in 2009, and was in the process of unfollowing ‘inappropriate’ accounts.
A spokesperson told the BBC: "Prior to 2010, an auto-follow process was used, meaning that @Number10gov automatically followed anyone who followed the account.
"As a result of this legacy, the @Number10gov account follows almost 370,000 accounts and we have taken steps to un-follow as many as possible that are inactive, spam or inappropriate. This work is ongoing."
Google unveils prepaid debit card
Google will offer a prepaid debit card to customers in the US which will allow the purchase of goods from stores and ATM withdrawals.
Consumers will be able to access funds in their Google Wallet accounts via the card. The card is free and Google will not charge cardholders any monthly or annual fees.
A Google spokeswoman confirmed that data about transactions made with the new Wallet card – including a description of goods purchased, the amount of the transaction and the name and address of the seller – would be added to the internal profiles that Google maintains for users of its services, which can be used to target ads.
