Security researchers and investigative tech outlets have uncovered glaring privacy issues in LG smart TVs, concluding that many of these devices systematically collect sensitive data—even when users believe they’re off. From listening to conversations to scanning nearby networks, these TVs are being called out for behavior that experts warn goes far beyond typical smart features.
What LG TVs Are Doing
Tests led by independent researchers and YouTube-based security teams revealed that certain LG OLED models continuously capture audio from built-in microphones and connected webcams. This happens even when the TV seems turned off or when the user isn’t actively speaking to it. Transcripts of “ambient” conversations—ones unrelated to voice commands—were found stored in plaintext on the device, only to be uploaded when connected back online. The TVs also take snapshots and auditory bits for analysis by remote servers supporting LG’s advertising platform.
On the data collection front, the smart TVs also engage in network scanning to map out what other devices are on the local Wi-Fi network—smartwatches, phones, even other LG gear. They track nearby Wi-Fi networks’ signal strengths and channel information and harvest information like geographic location. Automatic content recognition tools add visual and audio snapshots of what’s on screen or being listened to.
Advertising & Beyond
LG’s ad solution plays a major role in this issue. It taps into what’s known as “Automatic Content Recognition” (ACR), which doesn’t just know the title of what’s playing—it takes continuous audio or visual input. Coupled with the microphone input and the analytic backend, this feeds marketing algorithms. LG claims its ad function gathers data from global usage across more than 200 million TVs—in the U.S. alone, 49 million units reportedly contribute. This makes the current privacy debate not just about occasional slips—it implicates a model baked into how millions of devices operate daily.
Privacy Risks and Hard Truths
Researchers discovered alarming vulnerabilities in LG’s webOS operating system. Beyond collecting data, the TVs store unguarded transcripts that include phrases like sensitive personal data elements—social security numbers and credit card details—pulled from non-command speech and stored in memory without robust protections. Local storage of this data can be accessed remotely via weaknesses in the TV’s software.
Even connected peripherals aren’t safe: microphones on remote controls or audio from external webcams—often used when the TV is acting as a monitor—were exploited to capture audio. Notably, reconnection to Wi-Fi triggers automatic uploading of this compromised data to remote servers.
What Users Should Do Now
Until LG addresses these security issues and curbs invasive data practices at the software level, there’s no partial fix. Users are urged to disconnect their TVs entirely from the internet—unplug Ethernet, disable Wi-Fi, and remove or disable microphones wherever possible. On top of that, network-level protections like router firewalls can block outgoing connections and stop data transmission.
This isn’t just about annoying ads or data tracking—this is about deeply intrusive surveillance embedded into devices we invite into our living rooms.
Why this matters: if you’ve got LG smart TVs at home or in offices, even if you’re streaming through another device like an Apple TV or Roku, the TV itself may still be spying. Don’t assume that sidestepping smart functionality shields you. Truly secure use requires treating the TV like a non-smart appliance.
Moving Forward
LG claims the findings have prompted action and that work is underway to patch the vulnerabilities. But there’s no public roadmap yet for how or when full remediation will happen. In the meantime, security experts are pushing for stronger regulation around smart home privacy. Legislators are being asked to impose stricter controls over what data TVs can collect and store, and how stored data must be protected. Users should expect more legal scrutiny—and possibly new privacy legislation targeting TV makers.
Until resolutions arrive, the only foolproof protection is cutting off the data spigot entirely. Physically disconnect the network, disable Wi-Fi, unplug microphones where possible, and treat your LG smart TV as a device that cannot be trusted by default. Only then can you reclaim your privacy.
This situation underscores a broader trend: as smart home devices proliferate, we’re reaching a point where convenience loses its luster when confronted with invasive data collection. Expect more stories like this—and be ready to question the smart gadgets around you.
