Claim: Samsung TVs Analyze Audio, Screen Content and Viewing Habits for Advertising

    Cybersecurity researcher log4j released information about his research on October 21, 2026. He began examining the device after seeing extremely precisely targeted ads on a 2025 Samsung TV. According to the researcher, code that extensively collects user data was found in the Tizen operating system. This data is allegedly used to tailor ads to each user. The findings have not yet been published as a full technical report.    The findings include the logging of data transmitted over an internet connection, the categorization of sounds and the taking of screenshots. An AID cross-device identification code is also said to be used for advertising. This code links different devices belonging to the same user. The researcher also said that a region-specific neural network, meaning an artificial intelligence system, runs on the TV. The system allegedly analyzes the videos watched, the ads skipped and how far each video was watched.    Log4j claims that TVs without a built-in microphone can also detect the microphone of a connected soundbar or Bluetooth device. Hugging Face engineer ngxson tested this with a Flipper Zero. In his test, the TV kept the microphone active for 5 seconds, after which no additional audio was recorded. However, the test was conducted on a Tizen TV that had been modified at the system level and had some options disabled. The result may therefore be different on standard devices.    The researcher attributes the TVs’ sluggish performance to data being processed on the device itself. This includes analyzing audio and screenshots, computer recognition of images and running artificial intelligence models. Log4j said he used OpenAI tools during the research solely to analyze the software on the TV. Nevertheless, his account was blocked for misuse of cyber tools. The researcher denies violating the rules.    Log4j announced that he is preparing a comprehensive technical report covering the findings and research methodology. However, the full report that would verify the findings is not yet publicly available. Similar privacy allegations have previously been made regarding LG TVs. It is noted that users have complained about the devices slowing down over time even when no new features or resource-intensive apps are installed.