A detailed investigation by tech outlet Gamers Nexus claims that LG Smart TVs actively harvest extensive user data and contain security vulnerabilities allowing remote audio recording. The report alleges that the televisions scan local networks to identify unrelated household devices while sending user viewing habits to advertising partners.
Gamers Nexus worked with independent security researchers to analyze network traffic from LG televisions. The team found that the devices utilize Automatic Content Recognition to identify viewing habits. According to the investigation, the televisions also scan local area networks to collect identifiers from other connected devices, including smartphones and smart thermostats, to build consumer profiles for LG Ad Solutions.
The report highlights several alleged security flaws. Researchers stated they could remotely access the television to record audio using built-in microphones and attached webcams, even when the screen appeared to be turned off. They also demonstrated the ability to intercept audio routed through HDMI connections and execute remote code through built-in web browsers.
Gamers Nexus claims LG uses misleading menu designs to encourage users to accept data-tracking agreements. The reviewers noted that reading all associated terms and privacy policies requires parsing tens of thousands of words. Following a previous Gamers Nexus report on LG monitors, LG updated its terms of service to include a forced arbitration clause. This legal update effectively requires customers to waive their right to class-action lawsuits.
LG Electronics has denied allegations regarding unauthorized audio recording. In a statement to media outlets referenced in the investigation, the company asserted that its televisions do not collect, record, or store ambient conversations. LG stated that voice recognition is strictly an optional feature that only processes audio when a user actively initiates a specific request.
Gamers Nexus disputed this corporate response. The investigative team shared video evidence of an LG television transcribing and logging ambient background conversation in plain text long after a user initiated a voice command. The tech outlet also noted that LG did not respond directly to their specific vulnerability disclosures before the video was published.