A new investigation by Gamers Nexus reveals that certain LG smart TVs continue to collect user data and record ambient audio even when the devices are powered off.

Key Points

• Researchers found that LG smart TVs use Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) to scan local Wi-Fi networks and identify connected devices like smartphones and watches.
• The investigation claims the TVs store audio data locally when disconnected from the internet, transmitting the information once a connection is restored.
• Security experts identified vulnerabilities in the TV software that could potentially allow hackers to exploit these data-gathering features.
• LG has not issued a formal response to the findings, which contradict the company's previous claims that it does not record ambient conversations.
• The report highlights that these data collection practices often remain active unless users manually navigate complex settings menus to disable them.

Why it Matters

This investigation highlights the growing tension between consumer privacy and the aggressive data-harvesting practices embedded in modern internet-connected home appliances. The findings may trigger regulatory scrutiny similar to recent legal actions taken against other manufacturers regarding unauthorized data collection and advertising practices.