LG Ad Solutions

LG Smart TVs Record Audio in Standby Mode and Scan Home Networks for Advertising Data

Researchers from the Gamers Nexus YouTube channel analyzed multiple LG OLED television models, including the LG G5 series, and discovered that the devices continue to capture audio through built-in microphones even when the screen is off and the television is in standby. The TVs scan local networks to identify smartphones and smartwatches, collect internal IP addresses, available Wi-Fi network names, and location data. When internet connectivity is removed, audio recordings are stored locally and transmitted once the connection is restored. The devices also employ Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) technology to generate digital fingerprints of viewed content, with the resulting data reportedly sent to LG Ad Solutions for targeted advertising. Additional vulnerabilities were identified in webOS that could potentially allow remote code execution. LG has not yet commented on the findings, and experts recommend disconnecting the televisions from the internet and using external streaming devices until official clarification is provided.