LG Smart TVs Found to Monitor Users Even When Off
- Gamers Nexus discovered that LG TVs scan a household’s entire Wi-Fi network and capture microphone audio, even when appearing off or disconnected from the internet.
- In May, LG settled with Texas regulators, agreeing to cease collecting viewing data without informed consent.
- Security researchers identified unpatched remote-access bugs and residential-proxy code in LG’s webOS store apps.
- Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) software continues tracking even when the TV is used as an HDMI monitor for a laptop.
- LG added a forced-arbitration clause to its terms after the initial report by Gamers Nexus in July.
Investigations revealed that LG smart TVs can monitor users’ network activities and record audio without explicit consent, raising privacy concerns among consumers and regulators alike. The company’s settlement with Texas highlights the ongoing scrutiny over data privacy practices in tech devices.
Despite regulatory actions, LG’s practices of collecting user data through ACR continue to draw criticism, as indicated by findings that show these features remain active under various conditions.(Source)
