LG smart TVs may capture sound in standby mode, prompting privacy concerns

A recent independent investigation involving Gamers Nexus, Level1Techs and other security analysts found that certain LG OLED televisions appear to detect sound from their built-in microphones even when the display is off or the device is not connected to the internet. The study also noted that the TVs searched the local network for other devices. LG countered the claims, stating that voice recognition only works after a user activates the feature with a wake word or a remote-button press, and that any captured audio is processed on the device and not transmitted.

The company does acknowledge that standby listening occurs if hands-free voice control is enabled. The issue is part of a wider pattern, with multiple manufacturers employing Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) technology that logs viewing habits, though disabling privacy settings can curb data transmission. Experts advise users to disable microphones, ACR, and other telemetry features, or to keep the TV offline, to protect personal conversations.