LG responds to TV spying allegations
LG pushes back against Gamers Nexus and security researchers, stating local processing handles voice data and features are optional.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- LG responds to allegations regarding smart TV data logging by calling recent media coverage misleading.
- The company states its TVs do not continuously record audio and wake-word detection is processed locally.
- Features like Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) and voice recognition are optional and disabled by default.
- Security researchers Gamers Nexus previously demonstrated that the TV kept extensive logs of ambient conversations.
LG is pushing back against alarming findings recently detailed by Gamers Nexus, Level1Techs, and independent security researchers regarding how its smart TVs log and upload user data. The company stated that recent media coverage may have contributed to misconceptions about how LG smart TVs operate.
In an official statement, LG claimed that its televisions do not continuously record or transmit user conversations, and that wake-word detection is entirely processed locally on the device. However, security reports pointed out that the word continuously is doing heavy lifting here, as testing demonstrated an LG TV keeping extensive logs of ambient conversations long after the AI assistant should have stopped listening.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
In addition to addressing audio concerns, LG noted that specific features are optional and not enabled by default, including:
- Automatic Content Recognition (ACR)
- Voice recognition
- Interest-based advertising
The company further explained that ACR uses audio fingerprinting technology via the TV's internal audio processor to identify content without collecting screenshots, screen recordings, video recordings, voice recordings, or other audio files from the television.
This ongoing clash between tech manufacturers and security researchers highlights growing consumer concerns regarding privacy as smart home appliances become increasingly interconnected. While companies often provide privacy toggle options, transparency in data collection practices and clear communication remain critical challenges for the consumer electronics industry to build trust.
Despite addressing specific features, LG did not address broader concerns regarding the total volume of data it collects, the entities it shares data with, potential exploitation risks by bad actors, or the misleading presentation of its privacy options to consumers.
Source: The Verge
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