Technology
Computer monitors increasingly adopt smart TV advertising and tracking practices
Recent reports show some LG displays pushing third-party software pop-ups onto connected computers via driver updates.
The short version
- Computer monitors are increasingly adopting advertising and tracking mechanisms similar to those used in smart TVs.
- A recent report indicates that LG monitors have been installing unwanted software pop-ups, such as McAfee ads, on connected PCs.
- The installations were executed via the LG Monitor App Installer bundled into standard Windows Update driver updates.
Key facts
- Computer monitors are increasingly incorporating tracking features and advertisement delivery systems similar to smart TVs.[Ars Technica]
- According to a recent report, certain LG monitors installed McAfee pop-up advertisements on connected computers.[Ars Technica]
- The LG Monitor App Installer has been delivering these applications alongside Windows Update driver installations since at least 2024.[Ars Technica]
What remains uncertain
- It remains unclear how many monitor models or manufacturers beyond LG are deploying similar advertisement bundling strategies.[Ars Technica]