Research: LG TVs Record Audio in Standby Mode and Send It to the Company

    A new study claims that LG smart TVs collect data about their owners and other devices in the home almost continuously. Tests were conducted on LG OLED models sold in stores. According to the results, the TVs continue recording certain data when disconnected from the internet and even while in standby mode. Once the internet connection was restored, the data was found to have been sent to the company.    Analysis of the data transmitted over the internet showed that the TVs scan the home’s internal network. This allows them to identify nearby devices such as phones and smartwatches. They also record information about the location and surrounding wireless networks. This information is then sent to the LG Ad Solutions advertising division. According to the test results, the TV can identify not only what the user is watching but also the devices on the home network.    One of the key findings of the study is that the TV’s microphone records audio even in standby mode. According to the observations, this process continued even after the internet connection was cut. The audio files were stored on the device and sent to the company as soon as the TV reconnected to the internet. Although disconnecting the device from the internet temporarily stopped data transmission, it did not prevent the files from being sent later.    The TVs also use an automatic content recognition system called “Automatic Content Recognition.” This technology takes samples from audio and video to determine what the user is watching. The system does not examine only content in the TV’s built-in applications. It also recognizes video and audio from devices connected via HDMI. LG is not the only company that uses this technology; almost all smart TV manufacturers do.    A similar issue involving LG was also discovered in monitors in July. Some models automatically installed an application that collected device data. Pop-up advertisements for other LG applications and McAfee antivirus software were also displayed. Microsoft intervened after the issue became public. LG then disabled those pop-up advertisements.