Since this is a translation of an overseas article, there may be mistranslations.
https://hothardware.com/news/microsoft-forces-lg-to-kill-mcafee-popups-in-bloatware-crackdown
Microsoft stopped LG's McAfee pop-up ads as part of a bloatware crackdown.
Just a few days ago, we reported on the controversy surrounding LG monitors and smart TVs that were found to contain excessive bloatware and tracking features. According to WindowsLatest, Microsoft has taken action against at least the most problematic element.
LG's Monitor App Installer no longer displays pop-up ads promoting a free trial of McAfee security software. This is certainly a positive change, but it only addresses one facet of a very complex situation.
In other words, Microsoft's action does not yet prevent the LG Monitor App Installer from automatically installing when a specific LG monitor is connected to a Windows 11 system. Microsoft has only penalized LG for advertising McAfee, not for the automatic installation of the LG Monitor App Installer, which is considered an intended function of Windows.
In a statement, LG reiterated that McAfee is not automatically installed and that "the LG Monitor App Installer does not collect or transmit customer personal data." However, webOS, used in LG smart TVs, definitely engages in such activities, which is why we mentioned in our previous report that users raised concerns about privacy violations regarding the Monitor App Installer.
While Microsoft effectively blocked the adware element of the LG Monitor App Installer, the broader cybersecurity concerns surrounding LG displays (especially smart TVs) remain valid.
The problematic pop-up appeared without any action from LG monitor users.
As WindowsLatest pointed out, OEM bloatware is likely to continue being installed through Windows Update in the future. "However, it is commendable that a major Windows consumer complaint was resolved within a week." We agree. It's a good move by Microsoft and adds trust to their ongoing efforts to improve the reputation of Windows 11.
Of course, we don't expect this to be the last time we hear about LG's data collection practices or OEM bloatware on Windows and other platforms. We hope that Microsoft will continue to respond quickly in the future, and that LG will take responsibility for its data collection methods.
▶ Source: https://hothardware.com/news/microsoft-forces-lg-to-kill-mcafee-popups-in-bloatware-crackdown
