LG Smart TVs Caught Listening Even with the Screen Off
Gamers Nexus says LG’s ACR system can log viewing habits, nearby devices and private conversations, and the data may be sold to advertisers.
- On Monday, Gamers Nexus reported that Smart TVs from a leading manufacturer can eavesdrop on conversations and collect extensive user data, even with screens off. The investigation with Level1Techs detailed how devices scan WiFi networks to identify connected hardware.
- The manufacturer uses Automatic Content Recognition, branded as Live Plus, to log viewing habits for advertising purposes. The company's Solutions division tells partners, "we own the glass, we own the TV," aiming to reach nearly 216 million Smart TVs globally.
- Beyond viewing data, the TVs transcribe ambient conversations when the microphone activates, listening for up to 10-15 seconds. Gamers Nexus found this contradicts claims that devices "do not collect, record, or store ambient conversations."
- With more than 216 million Smart TVs sold worldwide, the extensive data collection poses significant privacy risks. Data can be sent to the company even during firmware updates, amplifying exposure concerns.
- To protect privacy, researchers recommend disconnecting your Smart TV from the internet entirely. Users can also disable Live Plus in Settings, General, System, and Advanced Settings, or update firmware offline via USB.
13 Articles
13 Articles
YouTuber claims LG TVs spy on users even when turned off
Unplug your LG TV, warns YouTube channel Gamers Nexus. Is your LG TV eavesdropping on you? That's the bold claim made by the YouTube channel Gamers Nexus.A new video from Gamers Nexus details how LG televisions are constantly logging data from users and uploading it back to the company. And Gamers Nexus claims LG TVs are doing …
LG TVs Reportedly Eavesdrop on Users Even When the Screen Is Off
LG's ACR system reportedly keeps a log of secondary devices connected to your network as well. TV brands tracking user activity to serve targeted ads isn’t a new phenomenon, but the extent of private information they allegedly collect may worry some TV owners.In an investigative video published on Monday, Gamers Nexus claims that TVs from one of the world’s most popular brands, …
Smart TVs increasingly act as networked devices, capable of analyzing screen usage and home network environment. Gamers Nexus' investigation into LG TVs raises serious questions about the scope of data collected—from content viewed, to devices in the home, to potential webOS-related threats. LG, however, vehemently denies these allegations.
LG Smart TVs Caught Scanning Home Networks and Recording Audio With the Screen Off, Investigation Finds
TL;DR: An investigation by Gamers Nexus, Level1Techs and independent security researchers found that tested LG smart TVs could scan local networks for other devices and capture microphone audio while the display appeared to be off. Researchers also found that some data could be stored locally while the TV was offline and transmitted after the connection […]
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