Report says LG TVs collect viewing, voice and device data

A new investigation by Gamers Nexus and independent security researchers says LG smart TVs collect and transmit more information than customers may expect, including when the TVs appear to be off or disconnected from a local network.

The findings are presented in a 135-minute YouTube video. Gamers Nexus describes the activity as “216,000,000 Spy TVs” reporting on millions of other devices in the US. The report says LG televisions can gather viewing data through ACR, or Automatic Content Recognition, which analyzes watched content across apps and services for personalized marketing.

According to the investigation, the data collection may also include voice recordings, information about nearby devices, geographical location, and wireless networks. LG’s business marketing materials say its advertising service can extend campaigns from an LG TV to other devices in the same household.

The video includes clips of three LG executives using the phrases “We own the glass” or “we own the TV.” Gamers Nexus calls the practices intrusive and says other manufacturers may do similar things. The report has prompted angry reactions online, including calls to stop buying LG products. LG previously refuted separate claims about adware on PCs and recording home guests. TechRadar says it asked LG for comment.