• Central & East Europe
  • Features

Broadband TV News

Independent. Since 2003

  • Home
  • Newsline
    • Platforms
      • Cable
      • Connected TV
      • IPTV
      • Satellite
      • Terrestrial
    • Technology
    • HDTV
    • Channels
    • On Demand/VOD
    • Distribution
    • Central & East Europe
    • Event Coverage
      • Calendar of Events
    • Regulation/Legal
    • Marketing
    • Columns
      • Briel On
      • Chris Dziadul Reports
      • Clover’s Week
    • People
    • Finance
  • Resources
    • White Papers
    • Download Presentations
  • Events
    • Events Diary
    • BTN Events
    • Events Coverage
    • Submit the details of your event
  • About
    • Contacts
    • Our Privacy Policy – Terms and Conditions
    • Editorial Calendar
    • RSS & Social Networking
    • Mobile
    • Logos and Pictures
  • Advertise
    • Media Info
    • Hosted Events
    • Roundtable Video
    • Roundup Video
    • Mechanical Data
    • Terms & Conditions
  • Subscribe

German Cartel Office investigates smart TVs

December 13, 2017 09.59 Europe/London By Jörn Krieger

The Federal German Cartel Office wants to find out whether smart TV manufacturers violate consumer protection laws when handling personal user data.

In the course of the so-called sector inquiry that has now been launched, the competition authority particularly intends to examine the contractual terms applied by the manufacturers.

“Smart TVs are merely one example of the ever-growing connectedness of things in private life and the issue of knowingly and unknowingly disclosing personal data. For the purposes of our inquiry, we have deliberately picked an everyday item which is also used by people who are not very technology-savvy. The fate of consumer data once released and their commercial use will certainly keep us busy beyond the current sector inquiry,” said Andreas Mundt, President of the Federal Cartel Office.

Unlike traditional TV sets, smart TVs have an internet connection through which the viewers not only receive data and channels but also transmit their user data. There is reason to believe that smart TVs pass on such personal data without the user being appropriately informed or being able to object to such transfer, according to the competition authority. The sector inquiry’s primary objective is now to clarify if and to what extent smart TV manufacturers collect, pass on and commercially use personal data and whether the persons concerned are being appropriately informed of this practice.

As a first step, questionnaires will be sent to all major TV manufacturers in early 2018. This survey aims to reveal potential weaknesses in general terms and conditions, data protection and data safety. The insights gathered from this sector inquiry should also help the authority in identifying further consumer protection issues regarding the internet of things.

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)

Related

Filed Under: Connected TV, Editor's Choice, Newsline, Platforms, Regulation/Legal Tagged With: Andreas Mundt, consumer protection, Federal Cartel Office, Smart TV, user data Edited: December 14, 2017 10:25

About Jörn Krieger

Jörn reports on the latest developments in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Since 1992, he has been working as a freelance journalist, specialised in digital media, broadcast technology, convergence and new markets. He also takes up University lectureships, writes articles in specialist publications, and produces radio reports. Jörn is also a moderator of panel discussions at industry events such as ANGA COM, Medientage München and IFA Berlin.

Latest News

  • BT adds Eurosport 1 and Eurosport 2 to Big Sport package
  • NENT Group and Telia fail on new distribution agreement
  • New leadership at Ultra HD Forum
  • MTV Play launches on Virgin TV
  • North American OTT TV revenues to double

White Paper

White Paper: An approach to implementing HbbTV on Android TV by Zattoo

By Broadband TV News Correspondent

HbbTV’s self stated goal is to “harmonize the broadcast, IPTV, and broadband delivery of entertainment to the end consumer through connected TVs and set-top boxes”.

Most Read

  • NENT Group and Telia fail on new distribution agreement
    NENT Group and Telia fail on new distribution agreement
  • BT adds Eurosport 1 and Eurosport 2 to Big Sport package
    BT adds Eurosport 1 and Eurosport 2 to Big Sport package
  • Cellnex to buy Cyfrowy Polsat company
    Cellnex to buy Cyfrowy Polsat company
  • Discovery+ goes live in the UK
    Discovery+ goes live in the UK
  • North American OTT TV revenues to double
    North American OTT TV revenues to double

Watch Video

About Us

Broadband TV News is the Industry’s No.1 Information Provider bringing news, analysis and comment on the delivery of digital television, around Europe and the World.

Broadband TV News

PO Box 499
Cambridge
United Kingdom
CB1 0AH
news@broadbandtvnews.com

Editions

  • Central & East Europe
  • Channels
  • Columns
  • Features
  • White Papers

Subscribe

Join over 40,000 readers to our Daily and Weekly emails. Complete the simple form to get the latest issue delivered direct to your inbox.

Click Here

Advertise with Broadband TV News

Broadband TV News offers a range of commercial possibilities from banner advertising to white paper hosting. Keep your brand at the front of buyer's minds.

Contact: Chris Griffin Commercial Director Tel: +44 7590 522475

Connect with Us

 

Copyright © 2021 Broadband TV News LLP · Log in