An investigation by Gamers Nexus has found that certain LG televisions may continue to capture microphone audio and scan devices on a home network even when the screen is turned off. This discovery comes roughly four months after LG assured Texas regulators that it had resolved its tracking practices.
What the Investigation Found
According to the Gamers Nexus report, LG TVs were observed performing two notable activities while appearing to be powered down: scanning every device connected to the home network and recording audio through the built-in microphone. The investigation suggests these actions occur without clear user notification or consent, raising renewed concerns about the extent of data collection by smart TVs.
LG's Previous Commitment to Texas Regulators
Earlier this year, LG communicated to Texas authorities that it had cleaned up its tracking mechanisms, implying that such data collection had been addressed. However, the recent findings indicate that some level of monitoring may still be active, contradicting those assurances and prompting questions about the effectiveness of LG’s stated remedies.
Implications for LG TV Owners
For consumers, the investigation highlights potential privacy risks associated with smart TV features that are often left enabled by default. The ability of a TV to listen and network-scan while in an off state could expose sensitive household information or enable unauthorized surveillance. Owners concerned about these issues may need to review their device settings or take additional steps to disable microphone and network features when the TV is not in use.
As of now, LG has not publicly responded to the Gamers Nexus findings, and it remains unclear whether the company will issue a statement or take corrective action. The investigation serves as a reminder that even seemingly inactive devices can pose privacy challenges.
