LG Class Action Lawsuit Says Smart TVs Can’t Access YouTube App

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LG Electronics has been hit with a class action lawsuit alleging some of its Smart TVs are unable to access YouTube, the popular video streaming app.

Plaintiff Richard Conn says LG has been manufacturing and selling Smart TVs in the United States since approximately 2009. One of the biggest draws of Smart TVs is their ability to stream video content from the internet and connected apps.

In 2013, LG reportedly began switching from an older flash-based Application Programming Interface (API) system to a newer HTML5-based API system. The LG Smart TVs that run on the newer HTML5 systems still reportedly allow viewers to access YouTube.

However, flash-based Smart TVs no longer have access to the YouTube app, the LG class action lawsuit alleges. This access allowed consumers to access video streaming applications directly from their televisions.

“Not since the advent of color television had consumers’ viewing experience changed so dramatically,” Conn alleges in the LG class action lawsuit. “Manufacturers including Defendant took advantage of the dramatic change in television use – profits and revenues soared.”

Conn alleges LG promoted its Smart TVs as a different experience from traditional television sets because of their ability to stream videos and access other entertainment apps. According to the LG class action lawsuit, LG marketed its Smart TVs as “having all the convenience of smart phones and computers with the ease and convenience of using a familiar device – the television set – in the comfort of consumers’ living rooms.”

Therefore, LG reportedly promoted its most popular entertainment apps, including YouTube, by placing the logo in its packaging, in-store displays, online and in television commercials to inform consumers that the LG Smart TVs came equipped with YouTube access.

According to the LG class action lawsuit, the LG website acknowledges that its Smart TVs that were manufactured prior to 2013 can no longer access YouTube. The following LG models are allegedly affected: LD550, LD650, LE3530, LE5400, LE5500, LE7500, LE8500, LX6500, LX9500, PK750, PK950 and PX950.

Conn alleges that LG has not offered any remedy to consumers who purchased an LG Smart TV that can no longer access YouTube. The company has reportedly recommended purchasing a new Smart TV or buying an exterior streaming device like a Google Chromecast in order to access YouTube. Conn claims that LG is using the loss of YouTube functionality to sell new Smart TVs and profit off of the affected consumers.

The LG Smart TV class action lawsuit asserts claims for breach of contract, unjust enrichment, negligent misrepresentation, negligence, breach of the implied warranty of merchantability, and violations of various state consumer protection laws.

LG is not the only Smart TV manufacturer to take heat over the loss of YouTube access. A similar Smart TV class action lawsuit was filed against Samsung earlier this year.

Conn is represented by Kaveh S. Elihu, Thomas L. Dorogi and Sylvia V. Panosian of Employee Justice Legal Group LLP.

The LG Smart TV YouTube Access Class Action Lawsuit is Richard Conn v. LG Electronics, et al., Case No. 2:17-cv-08793, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.