LG smart TVs reportedly record audio in standby and scan home networks

LG smart TVs can continue capturing audio with the screen off and repeatedly probe devices connected to the same local network, according to an investigation by Gamers Nexus cited by Notebookcheck.

Gamers Nexus tested several retail LG OLED TVs, including the G5, and monitored the network traffic they generated. The analysis found that the TVs regularly searched the local network for other connected devices, including smartphones and smartwatches. They also collected information such as local IP addresses, nearby Wi-Fi network names and location data.

The investigation also raised questions about how LG handles microphone data. Tests showed that the TVs could capture intelligible audio while in standby, even with the display turned off. If the internet connection was disabled, that audio was reportedly stored on the TV and transmitted once connectivity was restored.

LG’s TVs also rely on automatic content recognition, or ACR, which generates digital fingerprints of what appears on screen. According to the investigation, data collected through these systems is shared with LG Ad Solutions, the company’s advertising arm, and can be used to build profiles for targeted advertising across a large number of connected devices.

Gamers Nexus also reported security flaws in webOS that could potentially allow remote code execution. LG has not publicly responded to the findings. The researchers recommend keeping affected TVs offline and using an external streaming device for internet-connected features instead.