● Covered by 6 sources · 9 reportsHigh impact6 negative2 neutral
LG Smart TVs Log Audio While Off and Scan Local Networks for Devices
Key points
- LG TVs scan local networks for devices and collect Wi-Fi data.
- Microphone audio is logged while the TV screen is off.
- Collected data is used by LG Ad Solutions for targeted advertising.
- Remote code execution vulnerabilities in webOS are under disclosure.
- Gamers Nexus, Level1Techs, and independent security researchers conducted the investigation.
- The investigation involved testing retail LG OLEDs.
- Packet captures showed TVs scanning for nearby hardware like phones or smartwatches.
- TVs log location data.
- TVs use audio and video sampling to recognize what is being watched across inputs.
- The G5 OLED model was specifically tested.
- LG Ad Solutions claims to reach 363 million "addressable secondary devices" in the US.
- LG Electronics stated TVs identify compatible devices for connectivity and content sharing.
- Wireshark was used to analyze network traffic.
- LG denies claims of constant data logging and audio recording in standby.
- LG states voice data is processed only when a button is pressed or wake word recognized.
- Gamers Nexus claims LG operates 216 million "spy TVs."
- The investigation involved security researchers MrBruh and uturn.
- The investigation included firmware analysis.
- LG claims wake-word detection is processed locally on the TV.
- LG states ACR, voice recognition, and interest-based advertising are optional and not enabled by default.
- LG claims ACR uses audio fingerprinting via the TV's internal audio processor, not a speaker.
- LG released a comprehensive statement a few days after the Gamers Nexus video.
- Most smart TV manufacturers collect user viewing data through ACR systems.
- Data collection is a revenue stream for TV companies, compensating for low hardware prices.
Unauthorized Data Collection Identified
Research by Gamers Nexus, Level1Techs, and independent security researchers revealed that LG smart TVs actively collect data beyond typical expectations. Tests on retail LG OLED models, including the G5, showed continuous scanning of local area networks for secondary devices like phones and smartwatches. The TVs also gather internal IP addresses, names, and signal strengths of nearby Wi-Fi networks, along with location data.
Audio Recording in Standby Mode
A significant finding was the TV's ability to capture clear microphone audio while the screen appeared to be powered down in standby mode. If disconnected from the internet, the TV saved voice input locally and uploaded the stored files once network access was restored. This indicates persistent audio recording capabilities even when the device is not actively in use.
Data Usage by LG Ad Solutions
The collected data is channeled to LG Ad Solutions, LG's targeted advertising division. LG claims 216 million global smart TV sales, while its ad division states access to 363 million addressable devices in the US alone by tracking other hardware on the same network. The TVs also employ Automated Content Recognition (ACR) to sample on-screen audio and video for logging viewing habits across inputs, though the new testing shows data collection extends beyond ACR.
Security Vulnerabilities and Recommendations
Researchers also documented remote code execution vulnerabilities within the webOS operating system, which are currently undergoing responsible disclosure. Given the broad network listeners and data sweeps, the research team recommends disconnecting LG smart TVs from the internet and using external streaming devices to mitigate privacy and security risks. LG has not yet issued a comment regarding these findings.
Updates
- Most smart TV manufacturers collect user viewing data through ACR systems.
- Data collection is a revenue stream for TV companies, compensating for low hardware prices.
- LG released a comprehensive statement a few days after the Gamers Nexus video.
- LG claims wake-word detection is processed locally on the TV.
- LG states ACR, voice recognition, and interest-based advertising are optional and not enabled by default.
- LG claims ACR uses audio fingerprinting via the TV's internal audio processor, not a speaker.
- LG denies claims of constant data logging and audio recording in standby.
- LG states voice data is processed only when a button is pressed or wake word recognized.
- Gamers Nexus claims LG operates 216 million "spy TVs."
- The investigation involved security researchers MrBruh and uturn.
- The investigation included firmware analysis.
- The G5 OLED model was specifically tested.
- LG Ad Solutions claims to reach 363 million "addressable secondary devices" in the US.
- LG Electronics stated TVs identify compatible devices for connectivity and content sharing.
- Wireshark was used to analyze network traffic.
- Gamers Nexus, Level1Techs, and independent security researchers conducted the investigation.
- The investigation involved testing retail LG OLEDs.
- Packet captures showed TVs scanning for nearby hardware like phones or smartwatches.
- TVs log location data.
- TVs use audio and video sampling to recognize what is being watched across inputs.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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How outlets covered it
LG smart TVs collect a wide range of user data, including search terms, audio recordings, payment information, and precise location data, which is then sent to LG AdSolutions. This data collection, also common among other TV brands, is used for targeted advertising and media recommendations, turning smart TVs into ongoing profit streams beyond the initial sale.
A report highlights that most smart TV manufacturers, not just LG, collect user viewing data through Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) systems. This data collection, often agreed to via lengthy terms and conditions, is a revenue stream for TV companies, compensating for low hardware prices.
LG has denied accusations that its smart TVs continuously record user conversations or collect sensitive data when offline. The company stated that voice recording only activates with user interaction and optional features like Automatic Content Recognition are off by default, responding to a report by Gamers Nexus.
LG issued a statement addressing recent reports of its smart TVs collecting user data, specifically denying continuous recording of conversations and stating that features like ACR and voice recognition are optional. The company's response did not address broader concerns about data sharing or the presentation of privacy options.
Security researchers jailbroke an LG smart TV and found it could collect user data, including Wi-Fi network names and plain-text audio transcripts, even when appearing to be off. This discovery highlights potential privacy vulnerabilities in smart devices and the extent of data collection practices like Automatic Content Recognition (ACR).
LG has denied claims that its smart TVs constantly log and upload user data, record audio in standby, and scan Wi-Fi networks for other devices. The company stated that voice data is only processed when a button is pressed or a wake word is recognized, and that network scanning is a standard smart TV function. This matters because it addresses user privacy concerns raised by an online investigation regarding data collection practices of smart televisions.
LG TVs, including the G5 OLED model, have been observed scanning local area networks for other devices like phones and smartwatches, even when the TV is off. This capability, confirmed by security researchers, raises privacy concerns as LG Ad Solutions has previously stated its ability to reach "addressable secondary devices" in the US.
A report by Gamers Nexus indicates that LG smart TVs continuously collect user data, including Wi-Fi network scans, location data, and microphone audio, even when disconnected from the internet or in standby. This data is reportedly uploaded to LG Ad Solutions once an internet connection is re-established, raising privacy concerns for consumers.
LG smart TVs, including OLED G5 models, were found to continuously scan local networks for devices, collect Wi-Fi data, and record microphone audio even when the screen is off. This data is fed to LG Ad Solutions, raising privacy concerns for users.