Technology · Tuesday, September 8, 2026 · 10
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LG smart TVs secretly scan networks and record audio, investigation finds
An investigation by Gamers Nexus and Level1Techs found that LG smart TVs scan home networks, collect device data, and can record audio via a second hidden microphone even when the screen is off. The TVs store recordings locally and upload them when internet reconnects. LG has not commented on the new findings, which affect millions of European users.
Bottom line — Over 200 million LG TVs worldwide may be affected, with privacy risks for European consumers.
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- Per Gamers Nexus, the TVs use Automatic Content Recognition to identify content and share data with LG Ad Solutions, which claims 216 million TVs and 363 million addressable devices in the US.
- Researchers found a remote code execution vulnerability in webOS, reported to LG for patching, per the investigation.
- LG's May 2026 Texas settlement required opt-in consent, but the opt-out toggle remains disabled by default, according to Gamers Nexus.
- A second hidden microphone captured audio even after muting the main one, and the microphone stays active for 10-15 seconds after a voice command, per Decrypt.
- Security firm Spur found residential proxy code in 42% of LG webOS apps, potentially rerouting strangers' traffic through users' connections, per Krebs on Security.
- Users are advised to disconnect LG TVs from the internet and use external streaming devices, as the only way to fully stop data collection, per the researchers.