Texas Residents Gain Control Over TV Data Tracking
Samsung and LG must now obtain express consent from Texas residents before collecting automatic content recognition data.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Television
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Following lawsuits filed by the Texas Attorney General, Samsung and LG have entered into agreements to alter how they handle automatic content recognition data. These companies are now required to provide clear consent screens to Texas residents before tracking screen content for advertising purposes.
Why it matters
The legal action addresses concerns regarding privacy and data collection from devices connected via HDMI ports. Manufacturers use this technology to identify what users are watching, making explicit consent a necessary protection for consumer privacy.
The Texas Attorney General alleges the software captures screenshots every 500 milliseconds, resulting in 7,200 snapshots per hour. This data collection can generate up to 21,600 captures during a single three-hour viewing session.
The players
Samsung
This multinational electronics corporation manufactures a wide range of consumer technology, including smart televisions.
LG
This global electronics manufacturer produces home appliances and advanced display technology for consumers.
Texas Attorney General
This state office is responsible for enforcing Texas law and representing the state in civil and criminal litigation.
The details
Samsung users can now disable tracking by navigating through Settings to the Viewing Information Services option. LG users must disable the Live Plus feature in their settings and decline the viewing agreement within the User Agreements menu to opt out.
Timeline
December 15, 2025: Texas Attorney General filed lawsuits regarding ACR practices.
February 26, 2026: Samsung reached a data consent agreement with Texas.
May 11, 2026: LG reached a data consent agreement with Texas.
August 28, 2026: LG implemented updated terms of service in Texas.
Industry Dynamics
The lawsuits represent a broader shift in the television industry as regulators increasingly scrutinize how smart devices harvest viewer data. This legal action forces manufacturers to rethink their default data settings against the backdrop of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act.
Texas residents can now actively opt out of data collection through updated TV interface settings. These changes ensure that users maintain control over their privacy without losing access to their smart device functionality.
The takeaway
Consumers should periodically review their television privacy settings to ensure their data preferences are current. Taking these steps prevents automatic content recognition software from tracking viewing habits for advertising purposes.
Further reading
For more on the changing landscape of home entertainment, visit the Texas Television section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by G Ragu Review.
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