LG Addresses Concerns Over TV Privacy Issues

Earlier this week, several tech enthusiasts and independent security experts uncovered some concerning information regarding LG’s smart TVs and their data logging practices. In response, LG has pushed back against these claims, stating that “some recent media coverage may have contributed to misconceptions about how LG smart TVs work.”

In a statement, LG asserted that its “TVs do not continuously record or transmit users’ conversations,” emphasizing that wake-word detection is handled locally. However, the term “continuously” raises eyebrows, as evidence from tech enthusiasts showed that LG TVs can maintain extensive logs of ambient conversations long after users might expect the AI assistant to stop listening.

LG also mentioned that features like “Automatic Content Recognition (ACR), voice recognition, and interest-based advertising are optional” and “not enabled by default.” The company explained that:
> ACR utilizes audio fingerprinting technology through the TV’s internal audio processor (not a speaker) to identify content and does not collect screenshots, screen recordings, video recordings, voice recordings, or other audio recordings from the TV.

However, LG did not address wider concerns regarding the volume of data it collects, how that data is shared, the risks of potential misuse by malicious actors, or the confusing presentation of its privacy options.