2 hrs ago
Report Says LG TVs Collect Data Offline and Standby
Researchers tested some LG OLED televisions to see what information they collect.
They said the TVs can look for nearby devices such as phones and smartwatches.
They also reported that the TVs can gather information about nearby Wi-Fi networks and the TV’s location.
The researchers said built-in microphones may record audio even when a TV is in standby mode.
If the internet is disconnected, the audio may stay on the TV and be sent later when the connection returns.
LG TVs also use Automatic Content Recognition, or ACR, to identify what people are watching.
This can include programs from TV apps and devices connected through HDMI.
The report says the TVs may send some collected information to LG Ad Solutions.
It also says other major smart-TV companies use similar viewing-tracking technology.
A report says LG smart TVs may collect and transmit user and household data even while offline or in standby mode.
Tests reportedly found the TVs scanning nearby Wi-Fi devices, recording audio, and collecting location and network information.
Audio could reportedly remain stored on the TV after an internet connection was removed and upload later when connectivity returned.
LG TVs use Automatic Content Recognition to identify viewing across built-in apps, HDMI devices, and other inputs.
The report says similar viewing-tracking technology is also used by many other major smart-TV manufacturers.
- Who
- Gamers Nexus, Level1Techs, and independent security researchers investigated LG OLED televisions.
- What
- The investigation reported that LG smart TVs may collect audio, viewing, network, device, and location data, including while offline or in standby mode.
- Where
- The testing involved LG OLED televisions and their connected local networks.
- When
- The timing of the investigation was not specified; the findings were described as part of a new report.
- Why
- The reported collection appears connected to device detection, viewing analysis through Automatic Content Recognition, and data sent to LG Ad Solutions.
Key facts
- Investigators
- Gamers Nexus, Level1Techs, and independent security researchers
- Tested devices
- LG OLED televisions
- Reported data
- Audio, viewing activity, nearby devices, location, and nearby Wi-Fi networks
- Standby behavior
- Microphones could reportedly record audio while the TV was in standby mode
- Offline behavior
- Audio could reportedly be stored locally and uploaded after internet access returned
- Viewing technology
- Automatic Content Recognition can analyze content from apps, HDMI devices, and other inputs
- Reported recipient
- Some collected information was reportedly sent to LG Ad Solutions
Sources
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