LG vs LG Electronics

LG Electronics Issues Statement on Smart TV Privacy; Expands AI Home and Partnerships

New press releases include a statement addressing privacy misconceptions on LG smart TVs, expansion of ThinQ UP for air conditioners in Europe, multiple IFA 2026 product showcases and awards, a partnership with Marriott International for smart hotel technology, and LG Energy Solution securing a multi-year lithium carbonate supply deal.

LG Privacy Row Spurs Marketers to Rethink Smart TV ACR Data

Aden Hepburn argues that the LG smart TV privacy controversy should prompt marketers to reconsider the value and risks of Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) data. While LG denies claims of eavesdropping, the debate highlights the need for clear consent and consumer trust. ACR, which identifies content on screen, can provide insights into household viewing behavior, enabling better campaign measurement, reach/frequency accuracy, and integrated customer journeys. However, Hepburn stresses that consent must be meaningful and the value exchange obvious to avoid perceptions of creepiness. The piece urges marketers to focus on privacy-compliant data use and transparent communication to harness ACR's potential.

• LG smart TVs were investigated by Gamers Nexus for data collection practices, with LG denying eavesdropping claims.
• LG states its ACR data collection is opt-in.
• ACR technology identifies content on screen and converts viewing signals into audience data.

LG Smart TVs Reportedly Spy on Users, Collecting Audio and Data

An investigation by Gamers Nexus and Level1Techs reveals that LG Smart TVs engage in extensive surveillance, capturing audio transcripts and video via webcams, even when the TV is in standby mode. The TVs use Automatic Content Recognition (ARC) to collect viewing habits and search queries for personalized ads, but researchers found they also transmit private conversations containing sensitive information like social security and credit card numbers to LG's servers. Additionally, the devices scan nearby Wi-Fi networks and connected devices, and collect Wi-Fi signal data. LG's ad solutions unit claims data from over 216 million devices globally is available for advertising. Users are advised to disconnect the TV from the internet entirely (Ethernet or Wi-Fi) to prevent data transmission.

• Investigation by Gamers Nexus and Level1Techs analyzed LG Smart TVs' network activity.
• LG TVs create plaintext transcripts of conversations via microphones and webcams, even in standby mode.
• Collected data includes audio clips, video recordings, Wi-Fi signal strengths, and device scans.

Alphonso Weighs IPO, Comcast JV, or Koch PE Deal

Alphonso, the ad tech division formerly owned and rebranded as LG Ads, is exploring three exit options after years of legal disputes with parent LG Electronics: a traditional IPO (it filed a confidential S-1 in September 2025), a joint venture with Comcast (via Atairos ties), or a roughly $1 billion private-equity buyout proposal from Koch Equity Development. Co-founder and former CEO Ashish Chordia has led multiple successful Delaware lawsuits restoring board seats and IPO rights; a separate $4.5 billion damages suit in California remains pending. A court-mandated tender offer at $118 per share closes September 11. Alphonso is reporting roughly 50% year-over-year growth and management projects between $850 million and $1 billion in revenue for the year, while the company maintains a lean headcount of about 100 employees.

• Alphonso filed a confidential S-1 in September 2025 for a potential IPO (per BusinessWire).
• Alphonso is weighing three options: a traditional IPO, a joint venture with Comcast, or a private-equity deal with Koch Equity Development.
• Koch Equity Development submitted a $1 billion non-binding letter of intent on August 5, valuing Alphonso at roughly $200 per share.