LG denial over TV spying claims “does not address full privacy picture,” experts say — report alleges 216,000,000 “spy TVs”

LG is facing scrutiny over data collection on its televisions after an investigation by Gamers Nexus said the sets analyzed viewing habits and collected voice recordings, details of networked devices, location data, and wireless network information.

LG says the claims are “not true.” The company says its TVs process voice data only when users hold the voice button or activate Far-Field voice recognition with a wake word such as “Hi LG.” It says wake-word detection happens locally and is immediately deleted, while nearby-device scanning supports “smart TV functionalities” and is standard across smart TVs and smart home devices.

LG also says Automatic Content Recognition, or ACR, is opt-in and that users can stop ACR data being used for advertising. Anna Maria Mandalari of University College London said LG’s statement “does not address the full privacy picture.” She said her research found ACR-related communication when an opted-in LG TV displayed broadcast television or content from HDMI-connected devices, including a laptop or gaming console.

Mandalari said reporting to advertisers stopped after opting out, but questioned whether users understand their choices and what happens to ACR data beyond advertising. Lillian Edwards of Newcastle University raised concerns about consent during rapid setup. Cobun Zweifel-Keegan of the IAPP said LG’s response is consistent with industry practices but does not address advertising and user-profiling allegations. The report’s headline figure is 216,000,000 “spy TVs.”