A recent investigation by Gamers Nexus into LG televisions has raised concerns about data collection and security. The report suggests that smart TVs track viewing habits via Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) to sell data and serve targeted advertisements. This practice is common across the industry, as manufacturers often sell hardware at a loss and rely on user behavior data to offset costs.
The investigation highlighted that LG TVs may record audio and transmit network information. Researchers from Gamers Nexus and Level1Techs demonstrated that by rooting the device, they could gain remote control over the TV. The study also noted that voice search features may continue recording for 10 to 15 seconds after speech ends, though this was tested under specific, modified conditions.
Experts suggest that users can mitigate risks by using dedicated email accounts for TV setup, opting out of ACR agreements, and disabling data tracking in settings. Some privacy advocates recommend disconnecting smart TVs from the internet entirely and using third-party streaming devices instead. However, full protection remains difficult due to the integration of data collection in modern software.
The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) has called for comprehensive federal privacy legislation to address these issues. Proposed regulations would require explicit opt-in consent, prohibit deceptive design patterns, and enforce data minimization policies. Currently, the responsibility for managing privacy settings largely falls on the consumer.
