LG Defends Smart TV Data Practices Following Security Researchers' Findings
Security researchers at Gamers Nexus, Level1Techs, and independent investigators recently documented what they described as alarming data collection practices on LG smart TVs. Their findings indicated that the devices were logging and transmitting significant amounts of user data.
LG has now responded to these allegations, asserting that its smart TVs "do not continuously record or transmit users' conversations." The company also emphasized that wake-word detection for voice features is processed entirely on the device rather than uploaded to servers.
The distinction around the word "continuously" appears significant. Researchers demonstrated that LG TVs maintain extensive logs of user activity, though the exact scope and nature of what is logged remains a point of discussion. Privacy advocates have long raised concerns about the data collection practices of smart TV manufacturers, noting that even data not involving direct audio recording can reveal substantial information about viewing habits and household behavior.
For consumers concerned about smart TV privacy, common recommendations include reviewing and limiting data sharing settings in the device menu, disconnecting the TV from internet access when not needed, and using external devices like streaming sticks that may offer more transparent data practices.