Smart TV voice commands and home network scanning features on LG televisions only convert speech to text during direct user interactions and do not continuously record rooms, according to Kristína Gáliková, PR manager for LG in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Gáliková stated that speech conversion begins solely by pressing a microphone button on the remote or by speaking an activation word on hands-free models, addressing security concerns raised following independent tests by researchers from Gamers Nexus and Level1Techs.
How LG Voice Recognition and Microphones Operate During Tests
Voice transcription on LG televisions applies strictly to single, specific user commands, according to Gáliková. Outside of an active command, the television does not transcribe, record, or store room audio. Independent testing by Gamers Nexus and Level1Techs—which involved roughly 70,000 dollars and over 500 hours of work—found that televisions could capture and log speech into text after activation, including a conversation between two team members who were unaware of the testing.
Researchers also noted that microphones remained active for more than ten seconds after users stopped speaking. Gáliková explained that the television listens briefly following a voice command to check if the user intends to continue. When no speech is detected, the television stops listening after roughly 10 seconds, extending up to approximately 18 seconds at maximum. Gáliková noted that this duration forms part of the user-initiated command, and any room audio captured simultaneously with the command can enter the transcript before the sound stops processing entirely.
Offline Data Storage and Home Network Scanning Claims
LG maintains that its televisions do not store voice data locally or transmit it without an internet connection. Gáliková stated that voice controls require internet access to function, and offline units neither save voice data for later nor upload it to LG servers upon reconnection. Sound captured without an activation word undergoes processing directly on the television and is immediately deleted regardless of network status.
During network testing, researchers observed a television identifying 38 network-connected devices, including phones, smart watches, and printers. Gáliková clarified that searching for local network devices is a standard function allowing the television to connect with set-top boxes, gaming consoles, and smart home equipment. According to LG, similar smart TVs use these connections strictly for linking devices and do not apply the data for household profiling or advertising.
Automatic Content Recognition and Security Updates
Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) technology on LG displays tracks on-screen content, presenting another data point accessible to potential attackers. Gáliková noted that voice control, ACR, and personalized advertising remain disabled by default on LG televisions. Users must manually activate each feature in the settings and can deactivate them at any time while keeping core TV functions operational, such as apps, live broadcasts, HDMI inputs, and software updates.
Pro Tip: LG received the security findings through its Bug Bounty program, is currently reviewing the data, and plans to release software patches. Gáliková recommends that users install software updates as soon as they become available.
Researchers who conducted the tests chose to withhold further technical details until LG releases security updates to prevent malicious exploitation. In separate experiments, investigators demonstrated that a compromised television could capture audio while the screen appeared turned off, and saved data locally when disconnected from the internet before syncing upon reconnection. Until patches arrive, researchers advise owners to review firmware settings and disable unneeded features like ACR, personalized ads, and voice recognition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do LG televisions record conversations in the room continuously?
No. According to LG, the television only transcribes speech when a user explicitly initiates a command via the remote control’s microphone button or by speaking an activation word on hands-free models.
Are voice controls and tracking features active out of the box?
No. Voice control, Automatic Content Recognition (ACR), and personalized advertising are turned off by default on LG televisions and require manual activation by the user.
How can I protect my LG smart TV from potential security risks?
Researchers and LG recommend installing software updates immediately when available, checking privacy settings, and disabling features like ACR, personalized advertising, or voice recognition if they are not in use.
Stay Updated on Tech Security
Have you checked your smart TV privacy settings lately? Join the conversation by leaving a comment below or exploring our latest hardware security guides.
Keep reading