LG Smart TVs Reportedly Collect User Audio and Device Data Without Clear Consent
Researchers testing LG OLED televisions reportedly found the devices collect audio recordings and device information from home networks, including in standby mode, and transmit data to LG Ad Solutions for advertising purposes. LG has stated that voice features are optional, but the investigation raises questions about user control and data protection practices.
What happened
Researchers from Gamers Nexus, Level1Techs, and independent security researchers tested LG OLED televisions and analysed network traffic. The tests found that some televisions detected other devices on the home network including phones, computers and smartwatches, and collected information about surrounding Wi-Fi networks.
Researchers reported extracting audio recordings from televisions in standby mode. They found that some audio data could be stored locally on the television and then sent to servers when the network connection was restored.
The investigation highlighted the Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) technology, which analyses audio and video samples to identify what content users watch. The technology reportedly continued analysing content displayed on the screen even when the television was used with external devices via HDMI.
Reported impact
Some data collected by the televisions was reportedly sent to LG Ad Solutions, raising concerns about the amount of data smart televisions can collect and how it is used for analytical and advertising purposes.
The findings raised questions about users' ability to fully control data collection processes and whether disconnecting the television from the internet is sufficient to prevent recording or storing some information.
Index analysis
LG previously stated that its televisions do not collect, record or store ambient conversations, and that voice recognition features are optional and only work when the user activates them.
The investigation presents technical results but does not necessarily mean every LG television constantly records conversations or that all observed data is sent to company servers in the same way. Privacy experts recommend reviewing voice recognition and ACR settings, updating the television system, and disconnecting the television from sensitive devices on the home network if needed.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.