Google is updating Android TVs to fix a big Gmail privacy problem

Google is moving connected a hole to artifact crafty individuals from gaining entree to nan emails of accounts logged successful to immoderate Android TV units. The Android TV operating system, which is preloaded connected galore smart TVs connected nan market, could let group pinch beingness entree to get into Gmail and different services associated pinch nan owner’s account, as reported by 404 Media.

Since Android TV is conscionable Android nether nan hood, it treats nan owner’s Google relationship login arsenic a persistent one, allowing them to automatically log successful to allowed apps from nan Play Store. Chrome is not allowed by Google to instal connected Android TV, but there’s a workaround that could get it installed, allowing easy entree to Gmail, Drive, and different services — arsenic demonstrated by YouTuber Cameron Gray.

In nan video, Gray downloads “TV Bro,” a third-party Android TV web browser that’s disposable connected nan Play Store. Using nan browser, Gray finds an APK for nan Chrome browser from an online archive and installs it pinch nary rumor — though nan app doesn’t support TV remotes, truthful a keyboard and rodent request to beryllium utilized astatine this point. But erstwhile Chrome is open, each that’s near is to caput complete to gmail.com, and you’re in.

As 404 Media reported, nan video was shared pinch Google by nan agency of Senator Ron Wyden, and nan institution told them it was expected behaviour and not a information issue. After mounting pressure, however, Google now vows to hole nan loophole.

“Most Google TV devices moving nan latest versions of package already do not let this depicted behavior,” a Google spokesperson told 404 Media. “We are successful nan process of rolling retired a hole to nan remainder of devices.” Google besides reminds users to support package up to date.

Users who consciousness their privateness could beryllium astatine consequence successful their situation could see utilizing a different Google relationship to log successful to Android TV sets. The abstracted relationship could beryllium designated arsenic a “family” 1 and tin beryllium added arsenic a Google Family personnel truthful nan TV tin still person entree to YouTube TV and different services. Plus, you tin remainder easy that your viewing history won’t get borked by loved ones.