LG smart TV voice recording allegations have prompted a formal denial from the South Korean consumer-electronics company after security researchers claimed devices harvest ambient conversations and local network data. According to Al Jazeera, LG stated on Wednesday that voice data is only recorded when a user presses and holds the voice button on the remote or activates the “Hi LG” wake word following explicit setup of the Far-Field voice recognition feature.
LG Denies Ambient Audio Harvesting Claims
LG rejected allegations that its televisions record background conversations while on standby or in hibernation. According to the company, voice data is processed solely through explicit user commands. “The audio is immediately deleted if the wake word is not recognised,” LG stated.
The denial follows a 135-minute investigative report released on Monday by tech media outlet and YouTube channel Gamers Nexus, alongside Level1Techs and independent security researchers. The investigation analyzed data collection and security systems on LG televisions, alleging that the devices actively track users and harvest local network data, including audio transcripts.
Security Researchers Highlight Vulnerabilities in Local Storage
Gamers Nexus researchers reported they could record audio through an LG television during hibernation, noting that while a TV’s internal microphone switch might be off, other microphones exposed to the TV might not be, such as the remote. The researchers claimed this results in “216,000,000 Spy TVs” in the US alone. LG’s website states it has 49 million smarts TVs in the US and 216 million globally.
According to Yash Vekaria, a computer science researcher at the University of California, Davis, unmatched wake-word interactions or unclear sounds may remain stored locally and transcribed as plain text. Vekaria noted that copies can persist in temporary storage buffers before potential upload if local network connections drop. “This vulnerability can allow sniffing [of] much more critical conversations,” Vekaria said, adding that government officials discussing national security in a hotel room near an LG device could be exposed.
Did you know? LG states it has 49 million smarts TVs in the US and 216 million globally, according to figures published on its official website.
Network Scanning and Advertising Data Collection
Researchers also reported that the televisions scanned home networks for other connected products, collecting internal IP addresses, nearby Wi-Fi networks, and location data. LG defended the practice, stating that device scanning is a standard smart-TV function.
Anna Maria Mandalari, a lecturer in communications and networking at University College London, said device discovery supports legitimate features like screen casting and media sharing. However, Mandalari noted that discovery functions can reveal device names, addresses, and manufacturers, helping create a broader profile of household occupants.
LG stated that Automatic Content Recognition (ACR), voice recognition, and interest-based advertising are separate features requiring explicit user opt-in consent, and each can be disabled through TV settings. Vekaria stated he is not aware of concrete evidence that ambient audio feeds advertising systems, but noted that LG operates an advertising business built on household data, including ACR tracking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do LG smart TVs record conversations while on standby?
According to LG, the televisions do not record ambient conversations during standby or hibernation. The company states that audio is only collected when a user presses the remote’s voice button or uses the “Hi LG” wake word after enabling Far-Field voice recognition.
What data do LG smart TVs collect from home networks?
Researchers alleged that the TVs scan local networks and gather internal IP addresses, nearby Wi-Fi networks, and location data. LG stated that network scanning is a standard function required for device discovery and media sharing features.
Can users disable tracking and advertising features on LG TVs?
Yes. LG stated that features like ACR, voice recognition, and interest-based advertising require explicit user opt-in consent and can be disabled through the television’s settings.
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