LG Denies 216 Million Smart TVs Record Ambient Audio as Researchers Allege Standby Capture
Updated
Updated · Al Jazeera English · Sep 7
LG Denies 216 Million Smart TVs Record Ambient Audio as Researchers Allege Standby Capture
3 articles · Updated · Al Jazeera English · Sep 7
Summary
LG told Al Jazeera its TVs record voice only when users press the remote button or enable the “Hi LG” wake word with far-field recognition turned on, rejecting claims of ambient listening or later uploads.
A 135-minute Gamers Nexus investigation released Monday said researchers found LG sets could capture room audio in hibernation, retain unmatched wake-word clips and transcripts locally, and upload them later when reconnected.
Researchers also said the TVs scanned home networks for internal IP addresses, nearby Wi-Fi and device details; LG called device discovery a standard smart-TV function and said voice, ACR and ad targeting each require separate opt-in consent.
LG says it has 49 million smart TVs in the US and 216 million globally, widening the stakes of any privacy or security flaw as experts warn long-lived household devices need prompt patching and clearer disclosure.