New security research suggests that several popular Samsung smart TV apps include code that can turn a user’s home connection into part of a residential proxy network. In simple terms, that means internet traffic from unknown third parties could be routed through a TV owner’s connection without the kind of visibility most people would expect.
The report offers an unusual look into how residential proxy services operate. These networks typically rely on software or apps that let someone else use a real household internet connection, making online activity appear to come from an ordinary home user rather than a data center or corporate network.
For Samsung smart TV owners, the concern is not just bandwidth use. Researchers say this setup could expose devices to abuse or hijacking, with the potential impact reaching millions of TVs if the affected apps are widely installed. The core issue is that a consumer device meant for streaming and entertainment may also be acting as infrastructure for strangers on the internet.
The findings add to broader concerns about transparency in connected devices and app ecosystems. As smart TVs become more powerful and app-driven, security experts are paying closer attention to how third-party software handles network access, background activity, and user consent.
