YouTube channel Gamers Nexus has released an investigation alleging that LG televisions engage in extensive data collection and transmission, even when devices are powered down or offline. The channel claims this activity stems from advertising functionality built into the sets and conducted tests demonstrating security vulnerabilities that could potentially allow the device microphones to be exploited for unauthorized audio recording purposes.
The investigation identified LG’s Automatic Content Recognition technology as the primary mechanism behind the data gathering practices. According to the researchers, LG TVs collect multiple categories of user information including network details, geographic location, IP addresses, and device identifiers connected to home networks. Internal corporate statements cited in the video indicate that LG Ad Solutions maintains knowledge of household composition and connected devices, with the company claiming ability to identify over 363 million devices nationwide despite selling fewer than 216 million televisions globally.
The research was conducted in collaboration with Level1Techs and security experts MrBruh and uturn, garnering over two million views within days of release. This represents the latest in a series of critical examinations by Gamers Nexus regarding LG’s practices, following a prior report documenting unwanted advertisements appearing on LG television and monitor displays, which eventually prompted Microsoft intervention.
Originally reported by Mashable →
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