LG vs LVMH

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.

Mark Ritson: Working-Class Kids Need Confidence

Mark Ritson, a marketing professor and founder of MiniMBA, shares his journey from a working-class upbringing in Whitehaven to success. In an interview with The Drum's Lynn Lester, he discusses how class and confidence shaped his career. Ritson emphasizes that intelligence is not the differentiator; rather, self-belief and expectations placed on children are crucial. He offers advice to working-class kids: 'No one's any better than you.' His story highlights the impact of parental support and the importance of believing in oneself to overcome social barriers.

• Mark Ritson grew up in Whitehaven, West Cumbria.
• He won a scholarship to Wharton and taught at London Business School.
• He founded MiniMBA.

Nike appoints Alexandre Arnault to board

Nike announced that Alexandre Arnault, deputy CEO of LVMH's wine and spirits division Moët Hennessy, will join its board of directors. Arnault, who has held his current role since February 2025, previously oversaw LVMH's acquisition of Rimowa and has experience at Tiffany & Co. and McKinsey. The appointment is part of Nike's efforts to strengthen innovation and brand building amid a protracted turnaround, intense competition in activewear, and slowing lifestyle demand. The company has also recently reset its online distribution in China, launched the Studio Fleece line, named a new CFO, and appointed a commercial chief. Arnault's luxury expertise is expected to help Nike deepen consumer connections and drive long-term growth.

• Alexandre Arnault, deputy CEO of LVMH's Moët Hennessy, joins Nike's board of directors.
• Nike Executive Chairman Mark Parker praised Arnault's reputation for helping iconic global brands evolve and grow.
• Nike recently lost its place on the S&P 100 and is undergoing a complex global turnaround.

Football Stars Boost Luxury Handbag Demand

Male professional footballers — notably Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé — are increasingly photographed carrying high-end designer handbags, giving luxury houses extra visibility as sales soften in key markets. LVMH and Kering each reported roughly 3% year‑on‑year revenue declines in the first half, with Kering group revenue at €7.2bn from January–June and Gucci contributing about €2.8bn (down ~9%). Brands are leveraging players’ global reach and ambassador roles to push a growing 'man‑bag' segment: Haaland’s Birkin collection is estimated at €1.1m, and players often appear with Hermès, Louis Vuitton and Dolce & Gabbana pieces. Industry analysis (via Bloomberg/Bain & Co.) estimates only about a quarter of the luxury‑handbag market is male, indicating significant room to expand demand through these celebrity-driven channels.

• LVMH reported a 3% year‑on‑year revenue decline in the first half; its share recently hit a six‑year low and is down roughly 26% year‑to‑date.
• Kering reported a 3% revenue decline for the first half; group revenue January–June was €7.2bn, with Gucci contributing about €2.8bn (down ~9% versus the prior half-year).
• Erling Haaland’s collection of Birkin bags is estimated at €1.1m; he and other players have been photographed with Hermès and Dolce & Gabbana pieces.