LG TV Snoopgate: Smart TVs Caught Spy Recording Nearby Audio Even With No Internet Connection
Researchers said retail LG OLED sets recorded standby audio and uploaded it later, with 220 million smart TVs sold over the past decade.
- YouTube channel Gamers Nexus and hardware outlet Level1Techs discovered Smart TVs continue recording audio while in standby mode, storing conversations locally before uploading them to servers once internet reconnects.
- These findings follow recent reports where Smart TVs installed apps collecting device data and displaying pop-up ads for McAfee antivirus. LG previously denied unauthorized data collection claims, though a 2024 incident exposed a washing machine transferring 3.7 GB of data daily.
- Packet captures using Wireshark show the sets scan local networks for nearby phones and smartwatches while logging Wi-Fi signal strength and geolocation data. Automatic Content Recognition technology identifies what viewers watch across HDMI inputs and connected apps.
- Roughly 220 million Smart TVs sold over the past decade may be affected by these vulnerabilities, indicating potentially vast reach of the data collection practices embedded across the installed base.
- Former Microsoft developer Dave Plummer advised against connecting Smart TVs to the internet, recommending external devices like Apple TV or Chromecast instead, warning that internet-connected sets are designed to monitor their owners.
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LG's smart TVs are supposed to listen to the built-in microphone, which is discussed in the household. LG denies the allegations. All details.
LG TVs caught spying even when offline or on standby
LG smart TVs are almost constantly logging and uploading data about owners and their homes, even when offline or on standby mode, according to a new report from YouTube channel Gamers Nexus. The company's TV sets scan Wi-Fi networks for nearby devices, record audio logs through their microphones, and use audio and video sampling to […]
The investigation lasted 500 hours, cost $70,000, found a hidden microphone. See how to disable each collection on your device.
Modern smart TVs offer a lot of comfort, but apparently also pose massive privacy risks. A new investigation shows that certain televisions write and transmit sensitive private conversations.
VG
Tek.noA new investigation claims that LG's smart TVs collect far more data than many realize – even when they are in standby. Read the story on Tek.no.
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