It has been reported that LG Smart TV is programmed to collect the viewing habits of the users and send it back to the servers of the Company so that the data can be used to configure customized ads for display. This functionality of the TV has been revealed by certain observers in UK.
We are used to websites snooping on the users and collecting such information which is considered as a “Privacy Invasion”. Now it is necessary for LG to declare a privacy policy so that collection of information about the viewers is not considered an offence under the UK data protection Act. Further, since the company may end up processing private data, it may be necessary for the TV company to register themselves as a “Data Processor” and adhere to all the compliance requirements under the data protection act.
In the event similar data collection is practiced in India by the cable operators or the TV companies either through the Set Top box or the TV itself, the issue would come within the provisions of ITA 2008 and render the companies liable for civil and criminal liabilities for non compliance.
I hope TRAI takes note of this development.
Naavi
