Do you have an LG TV? It's spying on you - even when it's off | Weekend Special

An investigation by the tech channel Gamers Nexus reveals that LG TVs collect user data even when turned off, using an Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) system that scans the screen and home network. The devices listen to conversations via microphones, transcribe them in real time, and scan neighbors' networks. The recommendation: disconnect the TV from the internet and use it as a "dumb" screen.

A comprehensive investigation by the tech channel Gamers Nexus, in collaboration with information security experts, reveals that LG smart TVs extensively collect user data, even when ostensibly turned off. The core of the system is Automatic Content Recognition (ACR), which captures screenshots and audio clips from displayed content, converts them into a digital 'fingerprint', and sends them to LG's advertising servers. This activity occurs even when the TV is used as a monitor for a computer or console. The devices scan the home network (LAN), identify IP addresses and device names, and even scan neighbors' wireless networks to build an accurate user profile. In experiments, microphones picked up conversations from up to 20 meters away and transcribed them in real time, including sensitive information like social security numbers. In another experiment, a researcher extracted information from a secret meeting recorded through the speakers. The device scanned and found 38 unrelated devices on an office network. The investigation quotes LG Ad Solutions executives saying "we own the screen." The unequivocal recommendation is to disconnect the TV from the internet and use an external streaming device.