LG TVs Caught Spying on Users Even When Offline

LG smart televisions have come under scrutiny for extensive information gathering about users, nearby devices, and viewing habits, even when the televisions are in standby mode or disconnected from the internet, according to a recent investigation by YouTube channel Gamers Nexus. The research claims that data collection persists during these offline periods, with information potentially being stored locally and uploaded once connectivity is restored.

During the tests, the investigation team collaborated with Level1Techs and independent security experts to scrutinize retail LG OLED televisions. The examination involved capturing packets of data transmitted by the devices, revealing that the televisions were scanning local networks for nearby devices like smartphones and smartwatches. Additionally, the study uncovered logging activities related to location and nearby Wi-Fi networks, with the gathered data reportedly being sent to LG Ad Solutions.

Perhaps most concerning, the researchers found that LG televisions could record microphone audio while in standby mode, continuing this activity even without an active internet connection. Audio files were reportedly stored on the television and transmitted once connectivity was re-established. The investigation also delved into Automatic Content Recognition (ACR), a technology used to identify content being played on a television.

ACR can analyze audio and video samples to recognize content, including material from external sources such as HDMI-connected devices. This implies that viewing habits could be monitored and identified, even when content is not being streamed directly through the TV's own applications.

However, it is important to note that ACR is not unique to LG televisions. A separate investigation by RTINGS discovered that similar technology is widely utilized across the smart TV industry to comprehend users' viewing habits. LG has faced comparable privacy concerns in the past, with a previous investigation by Gamers Nexus revealing that some LG monitors automatically installed an application that collected device information and displayed promotional pop-ups for LG software and antivirus software.

This prompted Microsoft to intervene, leading LG to disable the intrusive pop-up advertisements. The latest investigation raises further questions about the vast amount of data that internet-connected televisions collect and the extent to which this data is handled when users assume their devices are inactive or offline.