It looks like monitor manufacturers can download bloatware without consent that will serve you pop-up ads
LG’s Monitor App Installer was discovered being silently installed onto users’ systems via Windows updates without their consent, subsequently prompting users to download a free 30-day trial of McAfee antivirus software that converts to a paid subscription.
The discovery, reported by user Mags_Smash on the PCMR Subreddit and covered by TechSpot, highlights a concerning trend in the PC ecosystem where hardware manufacturers exploit their distribution channels to deliver unwanted software and advertising. The practice mirrors similar tactics already seen with Windows automatically suggesting third-party applications and motherboard manufacturers pre-installing software.
The silent installation vector through Windows updates is particularly problematic, as users typically expect security patches rather than advertising delivery mechanisms. By bundling the software in an update, manufacturers bypass typical user choice mechanisms, making it difficult for consumers to prevent the installation or decline the promotional offers that follow.
This incident raises questions about consent and the obligations of hardware manufacturers in the ecosystem. The normalization of such practices could establish a troubling precedent where users increasingly lose control over their systems and face unwanted advertising through channels they expect to be under their control.