WASHINGTON — A recent investigation by technology review group Gamers Nexus, in partnership with cybersecurity researchers, has highlighted potential privacy and security vulnerabilities in several LG smart television models.
Audio Capture While TV Appears Off
The researchers demonstrated that audio could be recorded while an LG TV was in standby mode, meaning the screen was off after the remote’s power button was pressed. In one test, a compromised television continued storing audio even after being disconnected from Wi‑Fi, and the stored recordings could be retrieved remotely once the TV reconnected to the network.
Network Scanning Capabilities
The study also found that the televisions identified other devices on a home’s local Wi‑Fi network, including smartphones, computers, printers and other connected hardware. They collected information about nearby Wi‑Fi networks, such as network names and signal data, which could give a more detailed picture of household activity.
LG’s Response
LG issued a statement rejecting the investigation’s most serious claims, asserting that the allegations are false. The company said its televisions only process voice data when a user deliberately activates voice features, such as holding the voice button on the remote or using a wake word. LG added that wake‑word detection occurs locally on the TV and that audio is deleted if the wake word is not recognized, rather than being sent to a server.
LG also noted that the ability to identify and connect with nearby devices is a standard feature of smart televisions and other connected devices. The company said its Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) technology is offered on an opt‑in basis for personalized recommendations, services and advertising, and that customers who do not agree to the optional terms will not have their ACR data used for advertising.
Implications for Consumers
While the investigation does not prove that every LG television is being hacked or used for covert surveillance, it underscores how a combination of data‑collection features and software vulnerabilities could create opportunities for attackers who gain control of a TV. Consumers are encouraged to review privacy settings, disable voice‑activation features when not needed, and stay informed about firmware updates that address security flaws.
Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.
