LG Smart TVs Continue Data Collection in Standby Mode
New research indicates that LG televisions may record audio and scan networks even when powered down, raising significant privacy questions for consumers.
LG smart televisions are actively logging and uploading data about their users and surroundings, even when the devices are in standby mode or disconnected from the internet. This finding comes from a detailed investigation by the YouTube channel Gamers Nexus, conducted alongside Level1Techs and independent security researchers. The study tested retail LG OLED models and revealed that these sets continuously scan Wi-Fi networks for nearby devices, record audio through built-in microphones, and use sampling techniques to identify what is being played across various inputs.
The most concerning aspect of this behavior is the persistence of data collection during standby. Researchers found that the TVs could record microphone audio even when the screen was off. Crucially, this recording continued after the devices were disconnected from the network. The audio files were stored locally on the television's internal storage and then uploaded automatically once a connection was restored. This means that simply cutting the internet connection does not stop the collection process; it merely delays the transmission of sensitive data to LG Ad Solutions.
Network Scanning Reveals Location Data
Packet captures performed by the researchers showed that LG TVs are not passive observers on the home network. Instead, they actively probe the local environment to identify nearby hardware, such as smartphones and smartwatches. The devices log location data and details of surrounding Wi-Fi networks, sending this information back to LG’s advertising division. This practice allows the company to build a profile of the user’s physical environment and the other devices they own, which can be used for targeted advertising.
The investigation also highlighted the use of Automatic Content Recognition, or ACR. This technology uses audio and video data to determine exactly what a viewer is watching. It monitors both content streamed through the TV’s native smart interface and external sources connected via HDMI ports. While this feature is present in LG models, it is not unique to the brand. Other industry reports indicate that most major smart TV manufacturers use similar methods to track viewing habits, suggesting a broader industry pattern rather than an isolated corporate practice.
Previous Scrutiny of LG Software
This is not the first time LG has faced criticism for its data collection practices. Earlier this year, Gamers Nexus reported that some LG monitors were automatically installing apps that collected device data and served pop-up advertisements for LG’s software and third-party antivirus products. Public pressure following that report led to an intervention by Microsoft, which ultimately resulted in LG disabling the pop-up ads. This precedent suggests that public scrutiny can force corporate changes, and it sets the stage for how the industry might respond to the current findings regarding television privacy.
The trade-off for consumers is clear: while smart TVs offer convenience and integrated entertainment, they come with significant privacy risks. Users who assume their devices are inactive during standby may be unaware that their homes are still being monitored and documented. As reporting from sources like GN technics/smarthome highlights, the line between a helpful appliance and a surveillance tool is increasingly blurred, demanding greater transparency from manufacturers about what data is collected and how it is used.
