LG has denied allegations that its smart TVs monitor users, calling concerns about data collection and eavesdropping groundless. The company responded to a report claiming that 216 million LG smart TVs record audio data even when turned off.
The accusations originated from a YouTube channel called Gamers Nexus, which released a two-hour video detailing security and privacy issues. The report alleged that LG TVs constantly collect and send user data, scan Wi-Fi networks, and analyze audio and video signals to identify content, even without internet access or in standby mode.
The report also claimed that devices detect other local network devices, such as phones and printers. The most serious allegation was that the TVs record sound via built-in microphones in standby mode for later transmission.
LG stated that voice data is processed only when the user holds the voice control button on the remote or when a wake word like 'Hello LG' is recognized after activating the Far-Field voice recognition feature. The company emphasized that TVs do not record room conversations otherwise.
LG admitted that network scanning for device discovery is a standard feature for all smart home devices. Regarding Automatic Content Recognition (ACR), the company stated it operates based on voluntary user consent for personalized recommendations and ads. If consent is not provided, ACR data is not used for advertising purposes.
The company did not comment on some other claims and vulnerabilities mentioned in the case, including the storage of speech transcripts in plain text.