LG Smart TVs Are Reportedly Harvesting a Lot of User Data

LG’s smart TVs are reportedly collecting a lot of user data, even when they’re not connected to the Internet. A new video from the YouTube channel Gamer Nexus in collaborarion with independent security researchers reveals how recent LG smart TVs scan for nearby WiFi network, connected devices in the home, and can also record ambient conversations even when they’re not connected to the Internet.

LG isn’t the only smart TV manufacturer to use its software platform for advertising purposes. However, the company is reportedly quite unapologetic about monetizing its smart TV users. The video mentions LG Ad Solutions’ executives going as far as saying on camera that the company “owns the glass.”

Here are the most questionable data collection practices surfaced by the video:

• LG smart TVs can scan home Wi-Fi networks to identify connected devices and send that information to the company.
• The TVs can also scan nearby Wi-Fi networks and share their names and location data to LG Ad Solutions
• After being activated by users, the built-in microphones in LG TVs or their remotes will continue recording for up to 15 seconds after users stop talking. The video shows that audio recording and transcription will also happen when the display is off and when TVs are disconnected from the Internet, with the information stored locally being sent to LG when the Internet connection is restored.
• Like other smart TV manufacturers, LG uses automatic content recognition (ACR) to recognize what you watch, even through devices connected to HDMI. The company can use that information to build advertising profiles, though ACR can be turned off in settings.

Ultimately, the Gamer Nexus team recommends that LG TV owners who care about their privacy disconnect their TVs from the Internet. The video also reveals that LG’s software has security vulnerabilities that attackers could potentially exploit to spy on users.

I personally own an LG smart TV and keep it connected only for downloading software updates. I also like to try apps like Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce Now that aren’t available on my Apple TV 4K.

While this isn’t exactly convenient, LG makes it possible to install TV firmware updates with a USB stick. You can search for software updates for your TV on LG’s website.