LG Electronics has rejected privacy-related claims made in a recent investigation into its smart TVs, following an analysis by technology channel Gamers Nexus and security researchers.
The investigation examined the behavior and network traffic of LG televisions and raised questions about several features, including Automatic Content Recognition (ACR), network-device discovery and voice functionality.
According to the researchers, LG TVs can collect information about content being displayed on the screen through ACR. The technology can identify what viewers are watching and may be used for recommendations and advertising. ACR is also used across the wider smart-TV industry.
Researchers also reported that some LG TVs scan local networks and identify nearby devices. While such functionality can support features such as screen sharing and device connectivity, the investigation questioned the scope of the information collected.
The most controversial claim concerns the television’s microphone. Gamers Nexus reported that certain LG TV configurations appeared capable of recording audio while in standby and potentially storing that information until the television reconnects to the internet.
LG’s Response
LG has strongly disputed the most serious allegations.
The company says voice processing is activated through specific user interactions, such as pressing the voice button on the remote or using its voice-recognition functionality. LG also says wake-word detection is performed locally on the television and that audio is not transmitted when the wake word is not recognized.
Regarding ACR, LG says the feature is optional and requires user consent. The company also states that ACR information is not used for advertising when the necessary consent has not been provided.
LG describes network-device discovery as a normal function of connected smart devices, supporting features such as connectivity and device integration.
What Remains Unclear?
The investigation and LG’s response present different interpretations of some of the observed behavior.
It is established that LG smart TVs use technologies such as ACR, voice recognition and network discovery. However, the researchers’ most serious claims particularly regarding audio recording while in standby remain disputed by LG.
Independent technical verification would be needed to determine exactly how affected models behave under different settings and circumstances.
The controversy highlights a broader issue facing the smart-TV industry: as televisions become increasingly connected, consumers are paying closer attention to what data their devices collect, how that information is processed and what control users have over these features.
For now, the story remains a dispute between the findings presented by the researchers and LG’s explanation of how its smart-TV systems operate.
