LG responds to TV spying allegations

LG has responded to allegations that its TVs are spying on users by claiming the reports are misleading. The company states that its smart TVs do not continuously record or transmit users' conversations, and that wake-word detection is processed locally. However, Gamers Nexus, Level1Techs, and independent researchers have found that LG TVs keep extensive logs of ambient conversations even after the AI assistant should have stopped listening.

LG asserts that its Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) feature, voice recognition, and interest-based advertising are optional and not enabled by default. The company explains that ACR uses audio fingerprinting through its internal audio processor to identify content without collecting screenshots, screen recordings, video recordings, voice recordings, or other audio.

LG did not elaborate on the extent of data collected, who it shares it with, or potential security risks, nor did it address the misleading presentation of privacy options.