A recent investigation revealed that LG televisions have the capability to capture users' sounds even when they are turned off or operating in standby mode. Additionally, these devices transmit the collected data to the company itself as soon as they connect to the network.
This study was conducted by the YouTube channels Gamers Nexus and Level1Techs, with support from independent cybersecurity experts. The findings were presented in a video exceeding two hours in duration.
The devices also monitor Wi-Fi network information, such as which other equipment is connected. Furthermore, the TVs record the content displayed on the screen as part of an automatic content recognition feature, although this information may be used for advertising targeting.
The research team also identified security flaws that allow for remote code execution, creating potential access points for intruders.
In a statement sent to Business Today and other Indian media outlets, LG vehemently denied the allegations, stating that its devices do not record conversations in the home environment. The company clarified that the televisions only process voice data when the corresponding button on the remote control is pressed or when an activation word, such as 'Hello LG,' is recognized.
The manufacturer also assured that the automatic content recognition feature is optional and that data sharing for advertising purposes can be disabled by the user.
The tests conducted by Gamers Nexus on LG TV microphones allowed for the retrieval of audio files recorded while the TV was in standby mode or disconnected from the internet. These files were sent immediately after the connection was reestablished.
Moreover, after an activation word is issued, speech is transcribed and recorded, and the television continues to listen to the environment for up to fifteen seconds after the command ends.
The researchers even discovered a recording made by a second hidden microphone that is not disabled even when the main microphone is disabled in the settings; the only way to prevent this capture is to unplug the device.
Other collected information includes identifiers and the signal strength of other devices connected to the same Wi-Fi network, which allows for inferring characteristics of the consumer's residence through the uPNP protocol, inherent to Wi-Fi networks.
The investigation video also observed that the content recognition feature operates even when the TV is connected to a laptop via an HDMI port.
The investigators also found vulnerabilities that allow for remote code execution, which could enable an intruder to access the audio recordings. Although the details of these flaws were not publicly disclosed, they were provided to LG itself for correcting the security gaps.
To mitigate the risks, several actions were suggested, such as reviewing the devices' privacy settings, creating a dedicated Wi-Fi network for smart devices, and disabling uPNP on the router.
It is important to note that screen scanning for advertising purposes is not exclusive to LG. In December 2025, Samsung, Sony, Hisense, TCL, and LG itself were the subject of a lawsuit filed by the Texas Attorney General due to the collection and monetization of data about what users watch. Samsung and LG reached agreements and must notify users, requesting permission before capturing such information.
The security issues extend beyond the discovered vulnerabilities, as recent investigations indicate that Samsung and LG offer applications in their stores that can 'borrow' the user's internet connection to third parties without their knowledge. Both companies have already implemented measures to combat this type of malware.