Investigation Finds LG Smart TVs Collecting Data Even When Offline
LG Smart TVs Found Logging Data in Standby and Offline Modes
A detailed investigation by YouTube channel Gamers Nexus, in partnership with Level1Techs and independent security researchers, has uncovered extensive data collection practices in LG smart TVs that persist even when the devices are set to standby or disconnected from the internet.
What the Research Found
The investigators conducted packet captures on retail LG OLED TVs and discovered that the sets engage in continuous network activity. Specifically, the TVs were found to:
- Scan local Wi-Fi networks to identify nearby devices such as smartphones and computers
- Record audio logs through built-in microphones
- Sample audio and video from TV inputs to recognize what content users are watching
This data collection occurs even when the TV is nominally powered down or operating in standby mode, raising concerns about the extent of surveillance built into consumer electronics.
Broader Implications
The findings add to ongoing discussions about privacy practices in smart home devices. While many connected appliances collect data during active use, the discovery that LG's TVs continue this behavior when offline or in standby suggests deeper integration of telemetry systems than many users would expect.
Security researchers note that such persistent data collection creates potential attack surfaces and raises questions about what information is being transmitted, to whom, and for what purpose.
The investigation highlights the importance of examining network traffic from IoT devices and understanding the data practices of manufacturers before bringing connected devices into the home.