LG Smart TVs Found Logging Audio and Scanning Networks

A new investigation by Gamers Nexus reveals that LG smart TVs actively scan local networks to map nearby devices, including phones and smartwatches. The study found these TVs can capture microphone audio even when the screen appears to be off, uploading data once reconnected to the internet. Network packet captures using Wireshark showed the devices gathering IP addresses, device names, signal strengths, and location data, which is fed into LG Ad Solutions for targeted advertising. The research also uncovered Automated Content Recognition (ACR) that logs what users watch across inputs. Critical findings include the TVs storing voice input locally when disconnected from Ethernet and uploading it later. Researchers documented remote code execution vulnerabilities in webOS undergoing responsible disclosure. Due to these security risks, experts recommend disconnecting LG sets from the internet and using external streaming devices. LG has not commented on the report.