[REVISION HISTORY]

LG smart TV privacy and security investigation

Updated 4 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-10 20:13 UTC → 2026-09-11 00:05 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Security researchers and outlets including Gamers Nexus and Level1Techs have accused LG smart TVs, specifically OLED models running webOS, of extensive data collection and privacy vulnerabilities. The investigations allege that these devices use Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) to track viewing patterns across various inputs, such as HDMI and USB, to build user profiles for LG Ad Solutions. Technical analyses further claim the televisions scan local Wi-Fi networks to identify nearby hardware like smartphones and smartwatches, and log location data. A significant concern raised is a potential security loophole that could allow microphones to record audio while the device is in standby mode. Researchers also identified critical remote-code-execution vulnerabilities. Recent reports have expanded on these concerns, suggesting that voice command transcriptions may be stored locally and subsequently transmitted to LG Ad Solutions once the device reconnects to the internet, even if the device was previously offline or in standby mode. Investigations suggest these devices can transcribe conversations even when the screen is off. LG has denied the most serious allegations, stating that the televisions do not record or store ambient conversations and that voice processing only occurs via specific wake words or remote button presses. ~~While the~~ The company maintains that if a wake word is not recognized, the audio is ‘immediately deleted and not sent to their servers’. While LG confirmed that network scanning is a standard industry feature for smart home connectivity, it maintained that content analysis via HDMI is only conducted when users enable personalized ads or recommendations. LG has officially denied allegations of unauthorized spying or constant audio recording, asserting that voice processing is handled locally and that network scanning is a standard industry function designed to ensure seamless smart home connectivity and device integration.

Versions

Only revisions since CLSTR began indexing content versions appear here. Select a version to see what changed compared to the one before it.