Observed Signal · Sep 8, 2026 · Policy Update · Source: t3n · Impact: 3/5 · Sentiment: Negative
Privacy Market: 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.
Privacy and data collection issues in smart TVs are relevant to ad tech, especially for data-driven advertising, but not a major industry shift.
Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- 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.
- LG's ad solutions unit markets data from over 216 million LG devices globally.
- Disconnecting the TV from the internet (Ethernet or Wi-Fi) is necessary to stop data transmission.
Connected Companies & Entities
2 Entities mappedLG
South Korean listed holding company for major LG subsidiaries.
“LG smart TVs are the subject of the investigation, with data transmitted to LG servers....”
Alphonso
CTV data and measurement platform built on smart TV ACR.
“LG smart TVs are the subject of the investigation, with data transmitted to LG servers....”
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
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