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  • Live Nation Reworks Toronto Stadium Coldplay, Oasis Concert Debacle

    Live Nation Reworks Toronto Stadium Coldplay, Oasis Concert Debacle

    Live Nation Entertainment is reworking Rogers Stadium, its new Toronto concert venue, following safety and accessibility concerns raised by concert-goers online after the inaugural June 29 Stray Kids concert.

    “We are already making adjustments based on fan and community feedback and will continue to refine our operations to ensure a positive and safe experience for everyone at Rogers Stadium and in our neighboring community this summer,” Live Nation said in a statement to the CBC News website, which is part of Canada’s public broadcaster.

    The mega-concert promoter has to move fast as the British rock band Coldplay has four performances set for the new Rogers Stadium from July 7 to 12. Another major test will come Aug. 24 and Aug. 25 when Oasis is set to fill the new open-air music venue next to Downsview Park in north Toronto for two concerts that are part of its current tour to mark the group’s first live performances in 16 years.

    The Toronto concert will also be the first date for the North American leg of their concert tour that kicked off in Cardiff, Wales. Stray Kids fans lauded the South Korean pop group’s performance at Rogers Stadium, but turned thumbs down on the venue itself in online comments.

    Teen novel writer Nav K. Gill (Under the Moonlight Sky) took to X, formerly Twitter, to warn those with mobility issues should not buy tickets in the stadium stands, “even if it’s row 1.” Rogers Stadium has four stands with bleacher-style seats surrounding the stage.

    “Expect huge lines for water OR be prepared to pay big bucks for water over at the concessions,” Gill added. Besides complaints about overcrowding and long lines to get into and out of the Rogers Stadium, other concerns, including crowd control and long lines for public subway and bus access were voiced online.

    “Thank you for hosting Stray Kids last night! However, please check the stability of the seats before the next concert is held. Some of our seats came loose, and staff did not fix it for about an hour after asking multiple times for help,” another Stray Kids fan from Buffalo, New York added in another X tweet.

    Toronto councillor James Pasternak, whose York Centre ward includes the new Rogers Stadium, in his own X post, said safety and logistical concerns were raised with Live Nation during an urgent post-concert meeting. “With concerts scheduled all summer and shortcomings apparent from the first performance, we put pressure on all responsible parties to sort out concerns about crown management and transit, access to water and washrooms, improved drop off zones, noise issues, and better accommodation of handicapped persons accessing the site,” Pasternak wrote.

    In September 2024, Live Nation and Northcrest Developments unveiled plans for a new concert stadium in North Toronto, designed to host top global music acts and built on a former runway at the Downsview Airport lands.

    The north Toronto property was earlier slated to host a giant film studio complex on a 370-acre site. Representatives for Live Nation were not available for direct comment after The Hollywood Reporter reached out.


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  • Australian actor Julian McMahon dies, aged 56 – France 24

    1. Australian actor Julian McMahon dies, aged 56  France 24
    2. Julian McMahon Dies: ‘Nip/Tuck’, ‘Fantastic Four’, ‘FBI: Most Wanted’ Star Was 56  Deadline
    3. Julian McMahon: Charmed, Nip/Tuck and Fantastic Four actor dies aged 56  BBC
    4. Nip/Tuck, Fantastic Four actor Julian McMahon dies at 56 – Celebrity – Images  Dawn
    5. Hollywood remembers Julian McMahon: Tributes pour in for ‘charismatic, kind’ star  The Express Tribune

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  • Noni Madueke: Chelsea winger agrees personal terms with Arsenal

    Noni Madueke: Chelsea winger agrees personal terms with Arsenal

    BBC Sport reported Arsenal’s interest in Madueke on Thursday, with the winger’s ability to operate on either flank a key factor in the north London side’s interest.

    Arsenal are looking to strengthen their creative options in the summer window with Real Madrid’s Rodrygo and Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze among the other options considered.

    The financial outlay attached to an approach for Rodrygo has raised questions over whether the Gunners can execute a successful deal for the Brazil international, nevertheless the club have explored a swoop for the 24-year-old.

    Eze, who has a release clause worth a total of £68m, is another player the club have a serious interest in.

    Sources have indicated the Eagles will demand the full release fee but it remains to be seen whether their stance softens later in the window.

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  • Kim Kardashian blames Kanye West for failed love life

    Kim Kardashian blames Kanye West for failed love life

    Kim Kardashian is reportedly feeling down in the dumps. As per the latest findings of Closer Magazine, the mother of four has been seeking a new beau, but her plans have been derailed by her younger competitors like Sydney Sweeney.

    A source spilled the beans and said that Tom Brady completely ignored Kim Kardashian at Jeff Bezos wedding as Sydney Sweeney had caught his eye.

    Reportedly, Kim left the event feeling “devastated” and has been blaming her former husband Kanye West for being unlucky in love.

    A tipster said that Kim can’t help but feel resentful towards her “toxic” ex-husband.

    “Kim can’t help but worry that she might never find love again and a big part of her blames Kanye for that,” they remarked.

    “This change in life is a hard thing for anyone to go through, but for someone that’s built their entire brand on being young and sexy, it’s especially destabilizing,” they concluded.


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  • Women’s Euro 2025: How every team can qualify for quarterfinals

    Women’s Euro 2025: How every team can qualify for quarterfinals

    The group stage at the Women’s Euro 2025 has started in earnest, and we will soon begin to find out the first nations through to the quarterfinals.

    Here’s how countries could make it through — or go out — on matchday 2.

    Qualified for quarterfinals (0/8):

    Tiebreakers

    1. Group points
    2. Head-to-head in the game(s) between the teams in question
    3. Goal difference in the game(s) between the teams in question
    4. Goals scored in the game(s) between the teams in question
    5. Group goal difference
    6. Group goals scored
    7. If two teams who are level have played each other in the final group game, a penalty shootout determines places
    7. Disciplinary points (yellow and red cards)
    8. Position in the qualifying phase rankings

    *Kick off times show in ET (and in local time)

    GROUP A

    Wednesday, July 2
    Group A:     Iceland 0-1 Finland (Thun)
    Group A: Switzerland 1-2 Norway (Basel)

    Sunday, July 6
    Group A: Norway vs. Finland (6 p.m., Sion)
    Group A: Switzerland vs. Iceland (9 p.m., Bern)

    Thursday, July 10
    Group A: Finland vs. Switzerland (9 p.m., Geneva)
    Group A: Norway vs. Iceland (9 p.m., Thun)

    Finland and Norway are in control of the group, but with the teams playing each other the two top places cannot both be decided on matchday 2.

    Finland would qualify with a victory if Iceland win or draw.

    Norway are through with a victory if Switzerland win or draw.

    Iceland would be out if they lose and Norway win or draw.

    Switzerland are eliminated if they lose and Finland win or draw.

    GROUP B

    Thursday, July 3
    Group B:     Belgium 0-1 Italy (Sion)
    Group B: Spain 5-0 Portugal (Bern)

    Monday, July 7
    Group B: Spain vs. Belgium (6 p.m., Thun)
    Group B: Portugal vs. Italy (9 p.m., Geneva)

    Friday, July 11
    Group B: Italy vs. Spain (9 p.m., Bern)
    Group B: Portugal vs. Belgium (9 p.m., Sion)

    Group B could be all wrapped up when the second matches are played on Monday.

    Spain will qualify with a victory over Belgium if Italy win or draw.

    Italy will be through with a victory over Portugal if Spain win or draw.

    Belgium will be eliminated if they lose and Italy win or draw.

    Portugal will be out if they are beaten and Spain win or draw.

    If both Spain and Italy win, the top two places are sealed and first position will be decided when they meet on Friday. Belgium and Portugal would both be out.

    GROUP C

    Friday, July 4
    Group C: Denmark 0-1 Sweden (Geneva)
    Group C: Germany 2-0 Poland (Gallen)

    Tuesday, July 8
    Group C: Germany vs. Denmark (6 p.m., Basel)
    Group C: Poland vs. Sweden (9 p.m., Lucerne)

    Saturday, July 12
    Group C: Sweden vs. Germany (9 p.m., Zurich)
    Group C: Poland vs. Denmark (9 p.m., Lucerne)

    This is effectively the same situation as Group B.

    Germany will qualify with a victory over Denmark if Sweden win or draw.

    Sweden will be through with a victory over Poland if Germany win or draw.

    Denmark will be eliminated if they lose and Sweden win or draw.

    Poland will be out if they are beaten and Germany win or draw.

    If both Germany and Sweden win, the top two places are sealed and first position will be decided when they meet on Saturday. Denmark and Poland would both be out.

    GROUP D

    Saturday, July 5
    Group D: Wales 0-3 Netherlands (Lucerne)
    Group D: France 2-1 England (Zurich)

    Wednesday, July 9
    Group D: England vs. Netherlands (6 p.m., Zurich)
    Group D: France vs. Wales (9 p.m., St. Gallen)

    Sunday, July 13
    Group D: Netherlands vs. France (9 p.m., Basel)
    Group D: England vs. Wales (9 p.m., St. Gallen)

    Another group with two teams on three points who do not play each other on matchday two, which means the permutations are the same once more.

    Netherlands will qualify with a victory over England if France win or draw.

    France will be through with a victory over Wales if Netherlands win or draw.

    England will be eliminated if they lose and France win or draw.

    Wales will be out if they are beaten and Netherlands win or draw.

    If both Netherlands and France win, the top two places are sealed and first position will be decided when they meet on Sunday. England and Wales would both be out.

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  • bne IntelliNews – Southern Ocean current reverses for first time, signalling risk of climate system collapse

    bne IntelliNews – Southern Ocean current reverses for first time, signalling risk of climate system collapse

    A major ocean current in the Southern Hemisphere has reversed direction for the first time in recorded history, in what climatologists are calling a “catastrophic” tipping point in the global climate system.

    The development, which was confirmed by Spanish marine scientists at El Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC) in Barcelona, has triggered widespread alarm among climate scientists due to its potential to accelerate global warming and destabilise weather patterns worldwide.

    “The stunning reversal of ocean circulation in the Southern Hemisphere confirms the global climate system has entered a catastrophic phase,” said climatologist Ben See in a post on social media.

    The collapse involves the deep overturning circulation in the South Atlantic — part of the global conveyor belt of ocean currents — which typically pulls cold, nutrient-rich water up from the ocean floor and drives planetary heat distribution.

    The study, published on July 2, identifies a collapse and reversal of the Deep Western Boundary Current (DWBC) in the South Atlantic — a key part of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC).

    This current system plays a crucial role in regulating global temperatures and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide in the deep ocean. The ICM’s data show that the flow of the DWBC current reversed from northward to southward for several consecutive months in 2023 — the first such event in 30 years of continuous monitoring.

    “This is an unprecedented observation and a potential game-changer,” said physicist and lead author Dr Marilena Oltmanns, who warned the changes could “alter the Southern Ocean’s capacity to sequester heat and carbon.”

    According to the ICM-CSIC, the reversal is likely linked to an ongoing weakening of the Antarctic overturning circulation, a deep-ocean process driven by the formation of cold, salty water masses near Antarctica. That system has slowed by up to 40% since the late 1990s, and the new findings suggest it may be destabilising regional ocean dynamics more rapidly than expected.

    There has been a lot of speculation that the whole AMOC (otherwise known as the Gulf Stream), could come to a halt. The AMOC brings warm water to Europe from the equator, and when it stops flowing that will lead to a mini-ice age in Europe with winter temperatures dropping by 10-30C. While scientists are 98% certain that the AMOC will stop flowing by 2100, recent studies suggest that the collapse could come as soon as this year,  or at least in the next few decades.

    The ICM report warns that the reversal of the DWBC could also unleash vast amounts of carbon dioxide currently trapped in deep-ocean reservoirs. The reversal will undermine the ocean’s role as a carbon sink, which currently absorbs about 25% of all anthropogenic CO₂ emissions.

    “This could double current atmospheric CO₂ concentrations by releasing carbon that has been stored in the deep ocean for centuries,” the report said. Such a release would likely obliterate existing climate targets, as the additional emissions would overwhelm current carbon budgets and render mitigation strategies based on gradual reductions, obsolete.

    “The planet is sending us increasingly clear signals that we are crossing critical thresholds,” the ICM warned, characterising the event as a shift from “chronic climate stress” to “acute systemic breakdown.”

    The reversal threatens to weaken the ocean’s crucial role as a carbon sink — one of the Earth’s key natural defences against rising atmospheric CO₂ — and will also dramatically disrupt global weather systems, sea level patterns, and marine ecosystems.

    The Mediterranean is as hot as bathwater

    The event coincides with an unprecedented marine heatwave in the Mediterranean. A Spanish metrological buoy recorded a sea temperature of 31C on July 4 – as hot as a lukewarm bath. The northwestern Mediterranean Sea has recorded a temperature anomaly of +6.21°C above the 1982–2015 average, part of a pattern of record marine heatwaves that scientists say are reshaping entire ecosystems.

    The northwestern Mediterranean Sea is currently 6.21°C above the 1982–2015 average, creating what scientists have called “bathwater” conditions in a historically temperate basin. Warmer surface temperatures could further stall or disrupt ocean currents, feeding a dangerous feedback loop of warming and current instability.

    While ocean circulations have shifted in the deep past due to glacial cycles, the current reversal is the first to occur in modern times due to anthropogenic climate change. Researchers now warn of increased risk of abrupt changes in monsoon patterns, fisheries collapse, and a rapid sea-level rise in the Southern Hemisphere. They are calling for immediate global attention and a reassessment of climate adaptation strategies in light of what may be a new and more volatile climate regime.

    “The stunning reversal of ocean circulation in the Southern Hemisphere confirms the global climate system has entered a catastrophic phase,” said climatologist Ben See on social media.

    The reversal of the current will bring cold water up from the deep in which is trapped CO₂. That means the reversal, “could double current atmospheric CO₂ concentrations by releasing carbon that has been stored in the deep ocean for centuries,” the El Institut de Ciencies del Mar said.

    “The planet is sending us increasingly clear signals that we are crossing critical thresholds,” the Institut added.

     


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  • France strike perfect balance in beating defending champions England to open EURO 2025 campaign

    France strike perfect balance in beating defending champions England to open EURO 2025 campaign

    France dismantle England’s defence at EURO 2025 – a sign of things to come?

    In the run up to this tournament, France found themselves in the headlines for the wrong reasons.

    Laurent Bonadei named his 23-player squad, and it didn’t include national team mainstays Wendie Renard and Eugénie Le Sommer.

    The pair have a combined tally of 368 appearances for Les Bleues, making their experience and leadership a significant loss in the dressing room – or so everyone thought.

    When quizzed by the media over their omission, Bonadei referenced one of the most famous quotes in modern history, saying: “As Einstein said: ‘Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result’ – I want different results for this team, so I have gone with a different selection.”

    He was, of course, referencing France’s lack of major silverware, something surprising for a nation that has nurtured so much talent through the decades.

    Yet, despite his brazen selection less than a year into his tenure, it seems a fresh approach was exactly what this team needed.

    They were absolutely relentless against the Lionesses, waves of attack met with drilled defensive discipline. It was a performance from a side that looked as though they had a point to prove.

    France were set up in a way that directly exploited their opponent’s weaknesses down the wing, giving English full-backs no respite.

    What is perhaps more impressive is the players they turned to on their bench – Melvine Malard, Kadidiatou Diani, and Clara Mateo, all coming on to replace the entire French starting front line, a luxury few nations can afford.

    Even captain and first-choice centre-back Griedge Mbock Bathy was comfortably rested as she works her way back from injury, young defender Alice Sombath stepping in with ease.

    Mentality-wise, they didn’t panic when England found the next early, for a goal that was eventually ruled out. It was business as usual, sticking to the game plan and executing it as they planned.

    Their biggest concerns came when the Lionesses pulled one back late on, when they had largely rotated, but France were resolute in defence of their lead.

    Bonadei wanted to avoid coming into EURO 2025 as one of the favourites, but this display against the defending champions of the tournament has put a target on their backs.

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  • ‘After Trump’s tariff drama, global clients are slowly opening up their purses now’, says Irish tech firm, Version 1

    ‘After Trump’s tariff drama, global clients are slowly opening up their purses now’, says Irish tech firm, Version 1

    Ganesh Kalyanaraman, Managing Director India and North America, Version 1,

    After the U.S ‘tariff drama’, most global clients started talking to tech vendors and slowly opening up their purses now, observed Ganesh Kalyanaraman, Managing Director, India and North America, Version 1, an Irish firm that focuses on application modernisation, digital transformation, and AI.

    “The global tech meltdown is real and there is clear uncertainty in the global market. However, post-tariff drama, we see clients talking to tech vendors and showing a willingness to open up their purses. It is a discretionary spend. That’s good news,’‘ he told The Hindu.

    According to Mr. Kalyanaraman, global companies currently looking at a combination of things to cut costs. They want to consolidate all the current time and material and they are looking for a fixed-price engagement with productivity through AI. “They are also looking at ways and means to reduce their CAPEX spend and they are automating all manual work that can be automated,’‘ he observed.

    One out of three clients is looking for AI-led services, he added.

    On Version 1’s India expansion plan, Ganesh said the company has plans to build India as a prominent geography.

     “The plan is to make India a prominent delivery centre in the next three years. This will include setting up an innovation lab in India, partnering with academia, and expanding delivery capabilities. The company aims to quadruple its India headcount to over 2,000 employees, in the next three years,’‘ he added.

    Further commenting on market outlook, Mr, Kalyanaraman said, the AI as a service (AIaaS) market was expanding rapidly, with a projected market size anticipated to rise from about $ 20 billion in 2025 to $91 billion by 2030, featuring a CAGR of 35%.

    Published – July 06, 2025 02:46 am IST

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  • Elon Musk says he is launching new political party

    Elon Musk says he is launching new political party

    Elon Musk says he is launching a new political party, weeks after a dramatic falling out with US President Donald Trump.

    The billionaire announced on his social media platform X that he had set up the America Party and billed it as a challenge to the Republican and Democratic two-party system.

    However, it is unclear whether the party has been formally registered with US election authorities, and Musk has not provided details about who will lead it or what form it will take.

    He first raised the prospect of launching a party during his public feud with Trump, which saw him leave his role in the administration and engage in a vicious public spat with his former ally.

    During that row, Musk posted a poll on X asking users if there should be a new political party in the US.

    Referencing that poll in his post on Saturday, Musk wrote: “By a factor of 2 to 1, you want a new political party and you shall have it!

    “When it comes to bankrupting our country with waste & graft, we live in a one-party system, not a democracy.

    “Today, the America Party is formed to give you back your freedom.”

    As of Saturday, the Federal Electoral Commission had not published documents indicating the party had been formally registered.

    Musk was a key Trump advocate during the 2024 election and spent $250m (£187m) to help him regain office.

    After the election, he was appointed to lead the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), which was tasked with identifying swingeing cuts in the federal budget.

    His fallout with Trump began when he left the administration in May and publicly criticised Trump’s tax and spending plans. The legislation – which Trump has called his “big, beautiful bill” – was narrowly passed by Congress and signed into law by the president this week.

    The massive law includes huge spending commitments and tax cuts, and is estimated to add more than $3tn to the US deficit over the next decade.

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  • How to stop LG & Samsung smart TV tracking, screen captures

    How to stop LG & Samsung smart TV tracking, screen captures

    Even when used as a monitor for your Mac, an LG or Samsung smart TV will periodically capture what’s on screen and send it to company servers. Here’s how to stop that terrible behavior.

    Smart TVs from LG and Samsung are increasingly being used as monitors for Mac and PC, given that they are generally cheaper than an OLED display. The trade-off that you get for an inexpensive TV is adware. To accomplish this goal, they can capture screenshots of everything on screen, and sell it to just about anybody who asks, or they use that data themselves for targeted home screen advertising.

    This isn’t a giant problem when you’re watching television. But when you’re working on your Mac on a television, that capture can include sensitive documents, emails, private work, and everything else that happens on your computer.

    Here’s what you need to know, and how to turn it off on a LG or Samsung OLED display.

    How LG and Samsung smart TVs collect your data

    Smart TVs are not just screens you watch. They are also sensors that watch you. LG and Samsung smart TVs both include technology called Automatic Content Recognition, or ACR.

    The feature captures small snapshots of what’s on your screen or snippets of audio, then sends that data to external servers to identify exactly what you are watching.

    ACR works even when the TV is used as a PC monitor or connected via HDMI. A 2024 study by University College London and collaborators found LG TVs capturing screenshots as frequently as every 10 milliseconds.

    Samsung TVs do so every 500 milliseconds — even when displaying content from external devices. Opting out of ACR in settings completely stops this network traffic.

    Each snapshot is matched to a massive database to determine the exact program or ad. They allow companies to build a detailed profile of your viewing habits.

    These TVs also track other information, such as which streaming apps you use, how long you watch them, and what you click on in the menus. If you use voice commands, the TV may send audio recordings to the cloud for processing.

    When voice assistants are enabled, the microphones can be listening for wake words at all times.

    Both companies transmit this information over the internet to their servers. LG uses Alphonso, an advertising technology partner, to manage much of its ACR data. The TV contacts Alphonso servers with domains like “alphonso.tv” to share content recognition data.

    Samsung handles much of its ACR in-house, contacting multiple Samsung-controlled domains.

    Smart TVs routinely check for software updates, fetch ads, and collect app usage stats. They also perform analytics over encrypted web connections, making them hard to block without specific tools.

    The data isn’t collected for your benefit. LG and Samsung use it to sell targeted advertising and to share with partners.

    For example, LG’s privacy policy explicitly notes that personal information, including viewing history, may be sold or shared with third parties. Samsung also uses viewing data to power personalized ads and recommendations.

    LG’s ACR feature is branded as Live Plus

    Most people don’t realize that they have opted in to being monitored. Even when privacy laws require opt-out choices, the settings are often buried deep in menus.

    How to disable data collection on LG smart TVs

    LG’s ACR feature is branded as Live Plus. The service monitors what you watch and sends data to Alphonso for content recognition and advertising. Disabling Live Plus and other ad tracking features is essential for improving privacy.

    Follow these steps on recent LG webOS models. The exact wording may vary slightly depending on your TV’s year and software version, but the process is generally consistent.

    1. Press the Home button on your LG remote.

    2. Select the Settings icon, then choose All Settings to open the full menu.

    3. Go to General, then System, and select Additional Settings.

    4. Find Live Plus and toggle it Off.

    5. Return to General and select Home Settings.

    6. Turn off both Home Promotion and Content Recommendation.

    7. Go back to General, then Additional Settings, and select Advertising.

    8. Enable the option labeled Limit Ad Tracking.

    9. Return to the main Settings categories and go to Support.

    10. Choose Privacy & Terms.

    11. Look for Do Not Sell My Personal Information and toggle it On.

    After completing these steps, Live Plus will no longer gather data about what you watch, and advertising tracking will be significantly reduced.

    LG doesn’t currently offer a comprehensive online privacy dashboard for managing these settings remotely. It has a privacy site with forms to request data deletion or opt-out.

    However, LG often requires your TV’s serial number and other details. Using the TV’s built-in settings remains the most practical way to disable tracking.

    Keep in mind that turning off these settings will reduce personalized recommendations on your home screen. You will lose suggestions tailored to your viewing habits, but you will keep full access to apps and streaming services.

    How to disable data collection on Samsung smart TVs

    Samsung’s Automatic Content Recognition feature is called Viewing Information Services. The option is enabled by default on most Samsung TVs and collects data about everything you watch, including HDMI inputs.

    The good news is you can turn it off through the TV’s settings.

    Here is how to disable ACR and other tracking features on recent Samsung Tizen models. The menu layout can vary slightly by year, but the basic approach remains similar.

    1. Press the Home button on your Samsung remote to open the home screen.

    2. Select Settings and choose All Settings to open the full menu.

    3. Go to General & Privacy.

    4. Select Terms & Privacy or Privacy Choices, depending on your model.

    5. Find Viewing Information Services and turn it Off to stop the TV from analyzing what you watch.

    6. Look for Interest-Based Advertising or Interest-Based Advertisements and turn it Off. This setting may also appear as Interest-Based Ads Service.

    7. Confirm your changes if prompted.

    Your Samsung TV will now have ACR tracking turned off and targeted advertising disabled.

    To disable voice data collection on your Samsung TV, go to Settings under Voice Recognition or Voice Assistant and turn it off if you’re concerned about privacy.

    Samsung also offers an online Privacy Dashboard for users with Samsung accounts linked to their TVs. You can manage Viewing Information Services and Interest-Based Advertising for all Samsung devices connected to that account.

    If you live in a region with data privacy laws such as California’s Consumer Privacy Act, you can also visit Samsung’s privacy website to submit a request not to sell or share your personal information.

    The process may require you to provide your ZIP code or Samsung account details, and Samsung notes that it can take up to 45 days to process.

    Disabling these options on your Samsung TV stops the collection of detailed viewing data for advertising and analytics. You will still be able to use streaming apps and watch content normally, but you will lose personalized recommendations based on your viewing habits.

    How to block smart TV telemetry at the network level

    Disabling tracking in LG and Samsung smart TVs’ settings doesn’t stop them from contacting company servers for updates and telemetry. For enhanced privacy, block these connections at the network level.

    Tablet screen displaying NextDNS website promoting a new firewall for internet security, with a call to action button labeled 'Try it now'.
    NextDNS

    This approach involves using DNS filtering, router firewall rules, or network segmentation to prevent your TV from contacting known tracking servers.

    Use DNS blocking or a Pi-hole

    One popular method is to run a DNS-based blocker such as Pi-hole on your home network. Pi-hole acts as your local DNS server, intercepting requests from all devices and blocking those that match a blacklist.

    You can add LG and Samsung telemetry domains to your Pi-hole blocklist. When your TV tries to reach these addresses, it will receive no response.

    The method blocks tracking without interfering with necessary streaming traffic if you whitelist essential domains.

    Cloud-based DNS filtering services like NextDNS or Control D also offer prebuilt blocklists for smart TV telemetry. Some services even have dedicated Samsung TV filters or IoT telemetry filters. These can be enabled with a few clicks and managed from a simple web dashboard.

    Use router firewall rules

    If your router supports outbound filtering, you can create firewall rules to block your TV’s traffic to specific IP addresses or domains. Additionally, custom firmware such as OpenWrt or Asuswrt-Merlin allows for similar functionality.

    Assign your TV a static IP address in your router settings. Then block that IP from accessing known telemetry server IP ranges. You can also allow it only to reach specific whitelisted services such as Netflix or YouTube.

    Firewall rules give you more granular control but may be harder to maintain. Smart TV vendors often change server IP addresses, use cloud providers like AWS or Akamai, or shift endpoints over time.

    Domain-based blocking is often more flexible than hard-coded IP rules for this reason.

    Network segmentation

    Another advanced technique is to place your TV on a separate network or VLAN with restricted internet access. You can create an IoT VLAN where smart home devices have internet access only to approved services and cannot reach other parts of the network.

    Network segmentation prevents the TV from scanning your main network or accessing sensitive devices. You can also limit its outbound connections to only streaming services you approve.

    Some users set up network proxies or sinkholes to inspect, log, and selectively block TV traffic. For example, Pi-hole logs will show every DNS query your TV makes.

    You can identify new tracking domains and update your blocklists accordingly. Proxies require some technical familiarity but provide ongoing control as vendors change their infrastructure.

    Be careful with overblocking

    Blocking too many domains can interfere with your TV’s basic functions. For example, blocking update servers can prevent firmware updates, which may carry important security fixes.

    Tablet screen displaying a website for a customizable DNS service with features to secure, filter, and control networks. Includes buttons for a free trial and demo.
    Control D

    If you block all SamsungCloudSolution domains, some streaming apps such as YouTube may fail to load. They rely on Samsung’s backend services for authentication or metadata.

    A careful strategy is to start with a core list of known tracking domains, then test your TV. If an app breaks, you can check logs to identify which domain to whitelist. Over time, you can build a custom blocklist that balances privacy and usability.

    Implications of disabling tracking and blocking data flows

    Before you turn off every tracking feature or block all known telemetry domains, it is important to understand the trade-offs involved.

    Disabling ACR and other tracking features will remove personalized recommendations from your TV’s home screen. You will no longer see suggestions based on what you watch.

    For example, LG’s Live Plus recommendations row will disappear. While many users see this as a small sacrifice for privacy, it does reduce some of the “smart” features that the TV offers.

    Even with tracking turned off, you may still see some generic ads or promotions on the TV’s interface. Samsung’s Smart Hub might continue to show banners for new apps or Samsung products, though they should no longer be tailored to your viewing history.

    On LG TVs, disabling Home Promotion can eliminate most home-screen ads. Turning on Limit Ad Tracking ensures any remaining ads in streaming apps are no longer personalized.

    Turning off tracking doesn’t affect your ability to watch content through HDMI inputs or use major streaming apps. Services like Netflix and YouTube will still work as expected. However, network-level blocking can sometimes break app functionality.

    For example, if you block all SamsungCloudSolution domains, apps such as YouTube may fail to load because they rely on Samsung’s backend services. Careful blocking is essential.

    Samsung QLED 8K TV displaying a scenic sunset over a beach with ice formations on the sand and gentle waves in the background.
    Samsung handles much of its ACR in-house

    You could start with a minimal blocklist and test your TV to identify which domains are necessary for basic functions. It will help determine which domains can be safely blocked.

    If you disable voice recognition or assistant features, you will lose the ability to control your TV with voice commands. You will need to use the remote for searches and navigation.

    Disabling assistants can be an acceptable trade-off for users concerned about privacy. Turning off voice recognition prevents the TV from constantly listening for wake words or recording commands.

    Blocking certain domains can stop your TV from receiving firmware updates. That can have security implications over time.

    If you choose to block update servers entirely, consider periodically unblocking them. Then, check for updates manually or using USB update files if your manufacturer provides them.

    Some users leave specific update domains unblocked while blocking known telemetry and ad domains.

    Legal and service implications

    Disabling tracking features doesn’t violate any user agreements. Manufacturers provide these settings for users who want more privacy.

    Your warranty will remain intact, although you may be prompted to review privacy settings after firmware updates.

    Blocking domains at the network level is entirely within your rights on your own network. Streaming services will continue to work as long as you maintain access to their required domains.

    With the right balance, you can enjoy the benefits of a connected TV while keeping your personal viewing habits private.

    Common telemetry and ad server domains

    LG and Samsung use a range of domains to manage telemetry, advertising, updates, and app analytics. Blocking these domains can help reduce tracking. You should review them carefully to avoid breaking essential services.

    LG smart TV domains

    • lgtvsdp.com: Used by LG’s service platform for ACR data and other service communications.

    • lgsmartad.com: Advertising domain that delivers smart TV ads and tracks impressions.

    • lgappstv.com: Supports LG’s App Store and service platform. Subdomains may report app usage or fetch advertising.

    • lgtvonline.lge.com: LG Electronics’ main smart TV service domain for various online features.

    • alphonso.tv: Alphonso is LG’s ACR partner. When Live Plus is on, the TV sends snapshots here for content recognition.

    • lgtvcommon.com: Used by multiple LG services.

    • ngfts.lge.com: LG’s cloud backend that may appear in network logs.

    • lgad.cjpowercast.com: An advertising server, often seen through content delivery networks like Akamai.

    Samsung smart TV domains

    1. samsungcloudsolution.com and samsungcloudsolution.net: Major telemetry and cloud service domains. Blocking these can stop a lot of tracking, but some subdomains are essential for updates.

    2. samsungacr.com: Dedicated ACR logging service for sending screen fingerprints.

    3. internetat.tv: Used for Smart Hub services, with subdomains for logging and single sign-on.

    4. samsungads.com and samsungadhub.com: Advertising platforms that deliver targeted ads and track ad impressions.

    5. samsungrm.net: Likely used for remote management or analytics reporting.

    6. samsungotn.net: Delivers over-the-network firmware updates. Blocking this can prevent your TV from getting important software updates.

    7. samsungqbe.com and samsungosp.com: Related to Samsung’s content services and app platforms.

    8. api.samsungyosemite.com: Supports Samsung’s app store and hub API services.

    9. syncplusconfig.s3.amazonaws.com: Used to fetch configuration files for Samsung’s SyncPlus advertising and content recognition service.

    10. time.samsungcloudsolution.com: Used for time synchronization. Blocking this can cause time-based errors or failures in apps that check for a valid system clock.

    Most telemetry traffic uses standard web ports, primarily TCP port 443 for HTTPS. Because this port is also used for streaming apps like Netflix or YouTube, blocking by port isn’t practical.

    Domain-based blocking provides much more granular control. When building your blocklist, consider leaving essential update and time services unblocked or periodically unblocking them to allow firmware checks.

    Key differences between LG and Samsung tracking

    LG and Samsung share many similarities in how they collect data, but there are also important differences in how they implement telemetry and how easy it is to disable.

    LG outsources much of its ACR technology to Alphonso, which handles content recognition and advertising. When Live Plus is enabled, LG TVs mainly contact Alphonso domains.

    In contrast, Samsung manages ACR in-house and uses multiple Samsung-controlled domains. Samsung’s system is often more complex, involving different services for logging, advertising, and cloud features.

    LG labels its tracking feature as Live Plus and hides the toggle under Additional Settings. Samsung calls its system Viewing Information Services and typically places it under a dedicated Privacy menu.

    The naming and locations differ, but the underlying functions are very similar.

    LG usually requires users to accept many user agreements during setup, which effectively opts them in by default. Users must manually opt out later.

    Samsung TVs also typically have tracking enabled by default. In regions with strict privacy laws such as the European Union or United Kingdom, Samsung often ships TVs with ACR disabled until the user opts in.

    Disabling tracking isn’t a one-click process on either brand. On LG TVs, tests have shown it can take over 25 separate menu actions to fully opt out of Live Plus and data selling.

    Samsung requires users to uncheck multiple settings and sometimes confirm changes through their online privacy dashboard. Neither company makes it particularly easy or obvious, which can discourage users from completing the process.

    LG’s policies explicitly acknowledge selling user data by default, especially in the United States. The company provides a Do Not Sell My Personal Information toggle to comply with regulations such as the California Consumer Privacy Act.

    Samsung also engages in extensive data sharing. Users often need to submit a web form or use the Samsung account dashboard to request full opt-out from data sales.

    Online privacy management

    Samsung offers an online Privacy Dashboard linked to your Samsung account. The dashboard makes it easier to review and adjust tracking settings across all Samsung devices.

    LG lacks a comparable, user-friendly online dashboard. Instead, LG relies on TV-based settings and a more cumbersome online form for data deletion or opt-out requests.

    Both brands use targeted advertising in their TV interfaces. Samsung has been known to insert ads in the Smart Hub menu and even overlay pop-up banners during live TV viewing on some models.

    LG typically confines ads to the home menu or content recommendations. Samsung’s larger advertising ecosystem can lead to more extensive cross-device tracking and more personalized ad experiences if tracking remains enabled.

    Overall, LG and Samsung rely on detailed tracking to fuel their advertising businesses. Neither brand offers a completely tracking-free experience by default.

    Users must actively navigate menus, read policy details, and make deliberate choices to protect their privacy.

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