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Investigation Finds LG Smart TVs Log Voice Audio and Scan Home Devices

Reporters and researchers say recorded speech and local network scans create data that can feed advertising systems or be exposed through unpatched webOS flaws.

Overview

  • A long investigation published Monday, September 7, found Gamers Nexus, Level1Techs and independent researchers showing LG OLED sets actively sweep home networks, enumerate phones and smart devices, and record microphone input.
  • Tests showed speech was converted to plain‑text transcripts and stored on the TVs, including snippets captured when screens appeared off or when the sets were offline then uploaded after reconnection.
  • Packet captures and firmware analysis showed TVs collect device names, internal IPs and nearby Wi‑Fi identifiers and signal strengths, data that LG channels into its advertising arm to build cross‑device profiles.
  • Researchers also reported remote‑code‑execution and related webOS vulnerabilities under responsible disclosure that could let attackers access stored audio, the network, or use a TV as a foothold.
  • LG has not issued a full public rebuttal tied to the new technical evidence, regulators have already pressed TV makers over ACR practices, and security guidance now urges users to isolate or disconnect affected sets and apply firmware updates.