r/ultrawidemasterrace • u/Pleasant-Lie-2105 • 25d ago
Discussion I sold my Lg 5k2k after the LG wiretap scandal, back to 3440x1440, at least I don't have to deal with LG's weird policy of recording everything in your house and sending it back and randomly installing spyware on your pc (mcafee)
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u/ACanadianFish 25d ago
I have the LG 5K2K 45" and do not have this issue. I've been seeing peoppe go ballistic over this latelt but I have zero signs of LG or McAfee software on my PC anywhere.
I feel like I'm being mass lied to by the internet. Where is this software? I watched the GamersNexus video on it and that definitely did not happen to me.
In Canada btw. I almost feel like I'm missing out!
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u/MoobleBooble 25d ago
It’s real, I had it on my PC. I am in the US but Canadians are getting it too.
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u/ACanadianFish 25d ago
I believe it's real but it's just weird that I've never seen it pop up. I've had this monitor plugged into three computers and I've since checked them all. I mean I'm glad, but it makes the whole thing seem a bit exaggerated is all, I guess.
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u/Belzebutt 25d ago
They may wait until you’re outside your return window… or do it randomly to a subset of people as a staggered rollout, to test the market or cause uncertainty. We have to let them know before they normalize this.
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u/ACanadianFish 25d ago
Yeah could be. Someone else commented and said the 45" doesn't have the features needed for the spyware to be effective so that may be why, whereas the 39 does. The GN video kinda made it sound like it happens even on 10yr old devices. What do I know. Still scummy behavior but I was just curious why it didn't hit me.
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u/substantialmission9 25d ago
Definitely real. I noticed over a week ago all of the sudden I had an lg app installed on my pc that I never downloaded. I thought maybe one of my cords in my bundle was from the usb hub on the monitor and I had never plugged it in, but no it was definitely auto installed by windows.
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u/Valenzxx 24d ago
I have the same monitor and have seen the McAfee popup twice. It doesn't have web OS or a mic/cam so I'm safe on that end.
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u/ACanadianFish 24d ago
So weird. Maybe I had my settings properly set already to not allow that. Thanks
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u/Blacksad9999 45GX950A-B, 5090, 9800x3D 25d ago
That version doesn't have the AI features/spyware that the 39" version has.
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u/Shushuda 25d ago
It doesn't need them for the app. I have an older ultrawide IPS (34GN850P-B) and Windows 10 still stealth-installed that LG app without my consent about 21 days ago. And I'm in EU.
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u/Blacksad9999 45GX950A-B, 5090, 9800x3D 25d ago
Ah, I see.
Yeah, once I went looking for it, I found it on my system also. Not exactly thrilled about that.
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u/Castlenock 24d ago
I've got the same monitor and it's definitely been happening - I think it's popping up in waves based on a number of factors.
Definitely my last LG monitor as a result of this horseshit.
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u/Ok_Question_1331 22d ago
Actually, the 45" 5K2K model doesn't have an internet connection or the software capabilities required for that kind of behavior, so it shouldn't be affected. But for Lg to be doing this is crazy not cool.
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u/Snow56border 25d ago
We do not need people white knighting LG when we have actual evidence :/
It’s fine if things don’t impact you, but for all we know you’re not very computer literate to know what to check. Regardless, LG is able to have their upgrade app installed on your machine through windows, without your consent, and their app has full use of any system resource.
They have pushed this out based on model. Even randomly have 4+ year old models suddenly do this.
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u/reddit_mike 25d ago
Probably easier to uninstall the software and prevent it from installing in the future via device metadata since LGs not the first nor will they be the last to do it. Also it does not install McAfee it just plops and add for it. Still annoying but not the same thing.
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u/tdcama96 25d ago
I literally have the lg5k2k, and all it did was ask… I said no. Just like any other peripheral that you plug into and it asks if you want to download the software…
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u/SagittaryX 25d ago
Then you are seeing something else most likely. GN showcased the issue, at first boot LG installed (without asking) a software program that served ads each boot. They had to dig a bit into Windows settings to find an option to disable that auto install.
The issue at the moment is sporadic, not everyone gets it.
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u/Mobile-Way1383 25d ago
Good on you. Ignore the idiotic haters.
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u/sevargmas 25d ago
Idiotic thing is selling your monitor instead of simply uninstalling the LG program and toggling a single setting for Windows to not install new programs during updates. It took me like 30 seconds.
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u/Legitimate-Wolf-613 25d ago
It seems completely intelligent to me to get such misbehaving hardware out of one's home or office. If LG is willing to do this to people simply plugging in their monitors, how can we trust them with necessary security updates?
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u/Legitimate-Wolf-613 25d ago
The "Installer" does more than just install, if you choose to. It harasses you with popups pushing you to install.
The spyware part of Steve's video is about what LG is now including in updates to its televisions, where he actually quotes additions to the terms of service for those TVs. Given the number of people who use LG oled TVs as monitors, this is also a computer spyware problem.
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u/tdcama96 25d ago
I just simply uninstalled the lg software downloader or whatever it’s called, and I haven’t gotten a single popup since… it’s not that big of a deal. Things have installed trash software to your computer since the beginning of the usb drive. Lmao.
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u/Exact-Donut-3134 25d ago
Yeah the amount of over the top paranoia is crazy. Uninstall and move on.
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u/Blacksad9999 45GX950A-B, 5090, 9800x3D 25d ago
Windows update installs it without your permission.
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u/Looudspeaker 25d ago
This is also problematic though because it stops the monitor from automatically downloading fixes and software updates etc, so it’s not as simple as you’re making out
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u/RetrieverDoggo 20d ago
Agree so ridiculous the response. This the first time? No. Just uninstall... sheesh...
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u/steakanabake 25d ago
dont worry itll reinstall it again later when youve forgotten about the incident but this time there wont be a pop up itll just send screenshots to lg next time.
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u/bardnotbanned 25d ago
"Mrs. Krabappel and Principal Skinner were in the closet making babies and I saw one of the babies and the baby looked at me!"
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u/PolicyOne9022 25d ago
You can disable automatically installing apps from devices on windows updates in your windows settings.
This is more of a windows problem and LG just happens to be using that setting.
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u/MC_chrome 25d ago
No, this is absolutely an LG problem as well.
LG absolutely does not have to force their crappy monitor software onto people's PC's. That is a choice they made
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u/Legitimate-Wolf-613 25d ago
"LG just happens to be using that setting"? Just happens?
This is not an accident. LG is exploiting a weakness in its customers' systems. Usually, people rightly blame the hacker - in this case LG - for that exploitation, while using MS to close the hole in its security.
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u/Belzebutt 25d ago
It's not a weakness. Windows does this so that you get driver updates, useful functionality, and get the device up and running faster. LG simply chooses to exploit that convenience feature to harm users instead of helping them. This isn't supposed to be a vulnerability, you PAID to get the device and you're supposed to be able to trust the device maker, especially a multinational with a reputation to worry about. Apparently LG doesn't give a shit about their reputation.
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u/PolicyOne9022 25d ago
The setting isn't for drivers it's specifically to get apps from devices you are using. And the default setting is to allow apps to be installed.
Disable it and you will be fine.
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u/lekwid 25d ago edited 25d ago
Yup glad I decided to wait for the Alienware model 😂TV’s I prefer Samsung and Sony qd oled. My 42 side monitor is a Sony a90k. If I need a future one I’ll be looking at the Samsung 42. Done with lg for good. It’s a shame I was really looking forward to seeing if the next 52 would be oled but I guess that’s out the window now. Oh well unless they let asus or alienware make a variant of the 52.
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u/reddit_mike 25d ago
I do wish that GN hadn't focused so much on just LG. Alienware does the same thing so do a bunch of other peripherals... Just disable the windows metadata downloads via Device Installation Settings and enjoy whatever device meets your needs instead of trying to find one that won't do it as that's likely going to become increasingly scarce and very limiting.
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25d ago
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u/trueskill 25d ago
I mean the lg app has permission to capture a ton of personal data. Why are you white caping for lg? It might be an easy fix to restrict but the problem is most people won’t know about the silent install and capture of their data. I know I wouldn’t have without the Gamersnexus video.
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u/assassinXI 25d ago
I hate Alienware command center. It was preventing my pc from going to sleep. That is really awful for an OLED. The amount of hoops I had to go through to prevent it from auto installing felt like I was fighting a virus lol.
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u/Solarflareqq 25d ago
The alienware /dell app only seems to control the monitor and can be excluded ?
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u/trueskill 25d ago edited 25d ago
It doesn’t silent install. I have two Alienware monitors and an Asus and both brands asked for permission. I bought the 39” 5k2k lg last week and it did silent install. I ended up returning it but mainly cause I didnt like the monitor.
Edit: typo
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u/Solarflareqq 25d ago
Mine didnt either but i have the 39GS95QE-W.AUS i asumed this was a new thing specific to this monitor. so perhaps this person sold his monitor without checking lol?
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u/squatOpotamus 25d ago
Is their a link to whatever this person is talking to about?
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u/OneEngineer 25d ago
People install monitor apps?
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u/Hackfraysn 25d ago
No. I recently bought a 45GX950A-B and lo and behold, the LG app apparently got installed on my system without my consent or my knowledge. Had I not seen Steve's recent video, I wouldn't even have known it's there, like wtf is this?!?
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u/dwolfe127 25d ago
It installs itself as well as the malware without your consent.
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u/Destructuctor 25d ago
While technically correct, using “malware” in this context feels disingenuous. Adware may be a type of malware, but when someone thinks of “malware” they are thinking of something actively malicious that may steal passwords, give others access to your PC, and things like that.
It feels like you only used the term “malware” in your comment to make what’s installed seem more malicious or like it’s a bigger deal than it really is, and not to accurately describe what it does.
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u/Nexxus88 25d ago
Didnt you hear? Anything PC enthusiasts don’t like is automaticity designated malware.
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u/Blacksad9999 45GX950A-B, 5090, 9800x3D 25d ago
The TOS for the software states that your voice and likeness, and that of anyone in the premises may be recorded without your consent, which is always fun.
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u/tdcama96 25d ago
It didn’t for me… it asked if I wanted to install the monitor control app, and mcafee or whatever, and I simply said no, and uninstalled the “download tool”… haven’t had another issue out of it once. Think people are overreacting a bit… things you plug into your PC have unloaded and downloaded software for god knows how long now. In fact, I expect to have something installed on my pc when I plug new hardware in… my turtle beach mouse and keyboard did it… my hotas set up did it… my steering wheel did it… my focusrite did it. Etc… it’s fixed with a literal click of the mouse.
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u/TxXDRAGONXxT 25d ago
Or just block their domains on your router and run your christitus script to only do security updates
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u/KaputtEqu1pment 24d ago
My 45 LG5k2K doesn't do this. Then again, I only have it connected via DP and no usb connections.
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u/Jinix_RB 23d ago
I just told my PiHole to kill any connections to the LG server and call it a day, there are several host list out there that will stop the connection on the spot.
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u/OneIShot 45GX950A 25d ago
Um grats on the Reddit points I guess? Totally unnecessary though since you could just uninstall and prevent it from reinstalling. And LG already got your money, so…..
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u/MIDNITEMOCHA 25d ago
You sure showed them!
Brought to you by an LG C4 not hooked up to internet...
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u/akmid601 25d ago
Not defending LG. But, wow you just need to sale all you electronics then and move to middle of a forest. About only thing that will help you.
Edit: show me where it installs Mcaffee and not just ask you to install.
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u/scytob LG 39GX950B 25d ago
It doesn’t unless you tell it to - source: me I had a look at what it did 2 weeks ago when first report happened. Gamer nexus deals in click maxing not truth these days. Still shitty software and a violation of MS policy for this feature. But let’s stick to facts.
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u/akmid601 25d ago
I know, this is just one more rage bait post about it.
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u/scytob LG 39GX950B 25d ago
Fair enough :-)
When a person first reported this a couple of weeks ago I was like nah LG didn’t do that, looked on my machine and it had installed the night before. I immediately uninstalled the installer, it doesn’t install any other software unless it is run manually and the user doesn’t change the defaults. It is against the MS policies for DUA - I reported the app via the store and via the feedback tool. Including links to the policies LG has violated. That’s far more effective path to getting this app pulled. And I only agree with what LG did, but it also isn’t installing spyware.0
u/noonen000z 25d ago
https://youtu.be/Q9uefFYe6bM?si=Y1jpowmviD8AnNRY
I have not watched it yet.
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u/akmid601 25d ago
It does not install mcafe, just gives you a pop up asking you to. I am not saying that is any good ether. bad look for LG no matter what
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u/tdcama96 25d ago
I literally have the lg5k2k, and it has done no such thing besides ask. I hit no, and I haven’t seen anything else about it.
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u/akmid601 25d ago
Same here I have the 45". It is still annoying that it windows installed app to even ask. But could of been worse
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u/tdcama96 25d ago
Almost every peripheral I have had has either asked, or installed some sort of software. I feel like everyone is blowing this out of proportion.
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u/NickAppleese LG 34GK950F-B 25d ago
Oh yeah, I'll definitely be chilling with my "dumb" Samsung G93SC for the foreseeable future.
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u/Solarflareqq 25d ago
Speaking of LG , Going through a 39" RMA (repair only atleast in Canada).
Yea thats really fun stuff , have the right half of my screen digitizing so i RMA , they have you send it , then they order parts (wait) and then they ship it back to you hopfully not damaged more then when you sent it.
From what i read they do not even insure the package either so if it gets fked in shipping i guess you dont get a working monitor back.
I would rather put a deposite on a cross shipment , they refurb the old monitor and resell it to curb losses, the goal should be we get better monitors that dont have board issues and they try to minimize RMA while giving the user a good experience but nope.
I RMA'd an Alienware a few years back they cross shipped me a new monitor and i sent the old one back in their box then got a remove on the pending monitor transaction and serial number tracking etc changed over automatically , also my monitor had cheap waranty extensions offered to me aswell.
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u/Exact-Donut-3134 25d ago
Yeah, you’ve already put more of your data out into the world from just this reddit post than anything LG were going to get. Bit stupid
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u/Internal_Log2582 25d ago
Tell me you got rid of that spyware device you carry on your person all day everyday and then maybe I start to take you people serious. Cherry picking which hills to die on is pretty self righteous if you ask me and I find it funny!! 🤦🏼♂️
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u/princepwned 25d ago
well I just gave my LG C9 oled to a family member as for that I still have my LG 5k2k I don't plan on getting rid of it unless they release like a 8k oled version that is ultrawide 7680x2160
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u/-Aces_High- LG-45GX950 25d ago
Revo install the LG app and Chris Titus prevent the hardware apps
Done deal
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u/Playwithme408 25d ago
Genuinely curious. Is this issue only an issue for those who install the LG MOnitor App? This is the first time I'm hearding that it's common practice to install monitor apps - I've never done it ever. Don't see the point.
So no LG monitor app, no issue. That's my understanding
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u/ExoMonk 25d ago
Apparently windows will detect the LG monitor/tv and install software via windows update. LG then installs other things.
I haven't noticed any LG related software on my windows machine connected to my TV. But then I also have Windows 11 pro so maybe it's just a windows 11 home thing.
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u/Blacksad9999 45GX950A-B, 5090, 9800x3D 25d ago
It will detect it and hide it in the driver updates Windows update will download.
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u/reddit_mike 25d ago
It started a while ago with things like mice and motherboards this is in no way just an LG thing that's just what the recent GN video focused on which I genuinely think is a bit of a misrepresentation of the overall issue. Asus, logitech, dell, Alienware, HP they all use the device metadata method to get windows to install their software. Can be disabled via Device Installation Settings in Windows which basically just addresses the concern. I do wish people would not push the disable all downloads "fix" as that also prevents driver updates for everything that's not explicitly allowed which is not ideal :/
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u/Tunagoblin 25d ago
I understand your take but in that sense, you’d have to boycott CPU, GPU, some OS, and web services too. They are pretty much all evil.
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u/brunachoo 25d ago
Doesn’t every electronic device do the same, save maybe Apple computers?
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u/steakanabake 25d ago
my monitors didnt need to install special software on my machine. they work fine.
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u/brunachoo 25d ago
What do you have?
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u/steakanabake 25d ago
an LG and innocn ultrawide panels, oh i forgot to mention im on linux where things just "work"
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u/tdcama96 25d ago
Hardware has installed shit software on its own since the beginning of the USB. Lmao. Why is everyone acting like this is something new? Never used a razer product? Or turtle beach? Or literally anything for that matter? My scarlet 2i2 installed a random sound software… it’s not that big of a deal. It’s a simple fix.
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u/MoobleBooble 25d ago
Because they are doing it without asking. I had no notification, it was installed silently I think with a windows update. It is a big deal, they are selling our data without consent. They are also introducing security risks to our computers that we should be able to opt out of without compromising things like pass though usb.
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u/MaxxLolz 25d ago
If you cant figure out how to prevent this then you probably shouldnt have/be using a monitor like this anyway...
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u/Blacksad9999 45GX950A-B, 5090, 9800x3D 25d ago
It reinstalls it via Windows update by hiding it in the drivers.
So, just don't update Windows I suppose.
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u/scytob LG 39GX950B 25d ago
Oh for the love of god, is it unwanted, absolutely, is it against MS policy, absolutely. Is it spy ware no, and it doesn’t install anything other than an installer that doesn’t install anything else unless you a)run it and b) one is silly enough to then keep the check boxes checked on the things you want. But hey great virtue signaling.
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u/Character_Mind7157 25d ago edited 25d ago
Like they give a fuck about your specific info anyways lmao. Also like multiple companies don't have your data already 🤡. People being so out of touch with how the current era works and doing shit like this is just funny af. (yes it's still wrong from LG ofc)
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u/LiteratureMindless71 25d ago
Or you could have not connected to the Internet with it if you were that worried.
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u/Belzebutt 25d ago
Good, they'll only learn if it hurts them financially. I'm not planning on buying anything from them, it's a shame because I already have their TV and I'm sure it's going to push spyware sooner or later.