LG denies allegations of smart TV audio surveillance and network scanning

LG Smart TV privacy concerns audio surveillance network scanning cybersecurity vulnerabilities

LG has denied allegations following an investigation by Gamers Nexus, Level1Techs, and independent security researchers regarding privacy and security vulnerabilities in its smart TVs. The researchers claim the devices can record audio and transcribe conversations even while in standby mode. They further allege that such data can be stored locally when the device is offline and transmitted once internet connectivity is restored.

Additionally, the investigation found that LG smart TVs scan local Wi-Fi networks to identify nearby devices, including smartphones, smartwatches, and printers, as well as IP addresses and signal strengths. Researchers suggest this information may be used for profiling and advertising purposes through LG Ad Solutions.

LG has rejected the claims of unauthorized audio surveillance, stating that voice data is only processed when a user explicitly activates the feature via a remote button or a wake word like ‘Hi LG’. The company maintains that if a wake word is not recognized, the audio is immediately deleted. LG confirmed that network scanning is a standard industry function used to facilitate smart home connectivity and content sharing.

Entities

Gamers Nexus · LG · LG Ad Solutions · LG Electronics · Level1Techs · webOS

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 6 SOURCES] Data collected from network scans and viewing habits is transmitted to LG Ad Solutions. thenextweb.com · www.bienpublic.com · www.futurezone.de · ilsalvagente.it · www.it-connect.fr · +1 more
[DISPUTED] LG TVs can record audio and transcribe conversations even when the device appears to be in standby mode. winfuture.de · thenextweb.com · www.bienpublic.com · ilsalvagente.it · www.it-connect.fr · +8 more
[● 6 SOURCES] LG confirms that local network scanning is a standard feature used for smart home connectivity and device interaction. winfuture.de · thenextweb.com · japan.cnet.com · tbreak.com · uk.pcmag.com · +1 more
[● 3 SOURCES] Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) technology tracks viewing habits across various input ports. thenextweb.com · ilsalvagente.it · www.techspot.com
[● 4 SOURCES] Researchers identified remote-code-execution vulnerabilities in the investigated LG TVs. www.techspot.com · www.infomagazine.ma · 4gnews.pt · japan.cnet.com
[● 13 SOURCES] LG smart TVs scan local networks to identify devices like smartphones, smartwatches, and printers. thenextweb.com · www.bienpublic.com · www.futurezone.de · ilsalvagente.it · www.it-connect.fr · +7 more
[● 15 SOURCES] LG denies allegations of constant audio logging and unauthorized spying. winfuture.de · thenextweb.com · japan.cnet.com · www.infomagazine.ma · 4gnews.pt · +10 more
[● 8 SOURCES] Recorded data can be stored locally and transmitted once the device is reconnected to the internet. winfuture.de · ilsalvagente.it · www.techspot.com · www.cittadinanzasocialenews.it · www.infomagazine.ma · +3 more
[○ 1 SOURCE] The TV can map Wi-Fi networks of neighbors to refine geolocation. ilsalvagente.it
[○ 1 SOURCE] The investigation found that voice commands are stored unencrypted. thenextweb.com
[● 4 SOURCES] LG smart TVs scan local Wi-Fi networks to identify signal strength and channel information to refine geolocation. www.cittadinanzasocialenews.it · thenextweb.com · ilsalvagente.it · www.it-connect.fr
[● 4 SOURCES] Investigators claim TVs can identify numerous local devices, including smartphones, smartwatches, and printers, even if not directly connected. www.cittadinanzasocialenews.it · www.gandul.ro · www.futurezone.de