LG Responds to Controversy Over TV Data Collection Claims
By Editor • September 12, 2026 • 1 min read
In a recent backlash against privacy concerns, LG has firmly denied allegations suggesting that its smart TVs are persistently monitoring conversations and collecting user data. This defense follows a detailed investigation by Gamers Nexus and Level1Techs, which revealed alarming practices related to data transmission from LG OLED TVs.
Data Collection Allegations
The report highlighted that LG TVs reportedly scan local networks to identify nearby devices like smartphones and smartwatches, as well as gather location information from Wi-Fi networks. More troubling was the assertion that these televisions might even record audio via their built-in microphones while in standby mode, raising significant privacy issues.
LG's Official Stance
In a statement issued on Saturday, LG asserted that its smart TVs do not continuously record or transmit conversations. They clarified that audio recognition occurs only when a user activates a wake word or presses a specific voice command button on the remote. The company emphasized that any audio processing for wake-word detection is done locally, and if no wake word is detected, the audio is not saved or transmitted.
Opt-In Features and Regulatory Concerns
Furthermore, LG noted that features like Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) and interest-based advertising are optional and require user consent during setup. However, consumer advocates have raised concerns that the opt-in process is often buried within lengthy user agreements, potentially leading to uninformed consent. Experts suggest that European regulators may need to review LG’s practices to ensure compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Source: gizmodo.com
