LG TVs caught spying even when offline or on standby

A recent investigation by Gamers Nexus reveals that LG smart TVs are constantly recording and transmitting data about their owners, even when offline or on standby. The sets scan Wi-Fi networks for nearby devices, record audio logs through microphones, and analyze content to identify what is being watched across all TV inputs. Gamers Nexus collaborated with Level1Techs and independent security experts to test LG OLED television models in the retail market.

Packet captures demonstrated the TVs scanning the local network for nearby hardware like smartphones and smartwatches, logging location data and Wi-Fi network details, and sending this information back to LG Ad Solutions. Alarmingly, the TVs could record microphone audio while in standby mode, retaining the recordings offline and uploading them once a connection was reestablished.

The report also highlights Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) technology, which analyzes audio and video data to determine what viewers are watching, including the apps used via the TV's own interface and content connected through HDMI and other ports. While this issue is specific to LG, the practice of Automatic Content Recognition is widespread among smart TV manufacturers for understanding viewer habits.

Gamers Nexus previously reported in July that some LG monitors automatically installed an app collecting device data and displaying pop-up ads for LG's other offerings and McAfee antivirus. This led to public pressure and intervention from Microsoft, ultimately resulting in LG disabling the pop-up ads.