LG insists its smart TVs are not secretly spying on users, responding to a viral investigation that labeled 216 million of its sets “spy TVs.” The company acknowledges some of the researchers’ findings but disputes the most alarming claims, saying the situation is more nuanced than the headlines suggest.
If you own an LG television, this debate directly concerns your living room. Investigators claimed that LG sets were recording audio and cataloging devices on home networks even when the screen was turned off. LG says those descriptions are misleading and that its products behave in ways users can control through settings. Still, the report raises important questions about what modern smart TVs do in the background and how they handle personal data.
The Claims and LG’s Response
The accusations came from the YouTube channels Gamers Nexus and Level1Techs, which partnered with independent security researchers. Their testing suggested that some LG TVs scanned nearby Wi‑Fi networks and identified phones, smartwatches, and other connected devices. In addition, researchers reported a second, hidden microphone that allegedly continued to capture audio after the user had muted the primary microphone in settings.
LG has publicly pushed back. In a statement to media outlets, the company said the claim that TVs are constantly recording audio is not true. LG explained that voice data is processed only when a user presses the remote’s voice button or triggers a wake word such as “Hi LG.” According to the company, if the wake word is not detected, audio is deleted locally on the device rather than being transmitted to LG servers.
The manufacturer did confirm that some TVs scan for nearby devices on a local network, but presented that behavior as standard device discovery rather than invasive tracking. LG also emphasized that its content recognition feature — the function that analyzes what’s on screen to recommend shows or tailor ads — is opt‑in. The company says that content analysis runs only if the user agrees to activate that feature.
What Privacy Experts Say
Not all privacy researchers are convinced by LG’s explanations. Some experts say the company’s replies omit crucial details and fail to fully address how data is collected and used. For example, researchers noted that tracking or device discovery features might still operate when the TV is used as an external display for a laptop or gaming console, which could catch activity that users don’t expect to be monitored.
Observers have also pointed out that LG’s statement focused on limitations for advertising use, but did not categorically deny collecting certain categories of data. Limiting how data is used for ads is different from not collecting it at all, and that distinction matters for consumers concerned about privacy and transparency.
This episode is not LG’s first regulatory concern over data collection. The company previously reached a settlement with the Texas Attorney General related to how it handled user information, and the latest investigation surfaced only months later, prompting renewed scrutiny.
Practical Steps for LG TV Owners
If you want to reduce data collection or control how your LG TV interacts with voice commands and apps, take a few minutes to review the settings. Most modern LG TVs include options to disable voice recognition, content recognition, and ad tracking independently. Turning off these features can limit the TV’s background scanning and the extent to which it collects personalized information.
Specifically, check for settings labeled voice recognition, content recognition, or similar terms in the main settings menu. Disable any features you do not want enabled. Also consider reviewing connected device permissions and network settings, and update the TV’s software regularly to ensure you have the latest security and privacy fixes.
Ultimately, smart TVs blend convenience with ongoing connectivity. Manufacturers and regulators will likely continue to clarify what these devices do and how data is handled, but consumers can take immediate control by adjusting privacy and voice settings to match their comfort level.