GoKawiilLG Smart TVs Scan Home Networks and Record Audio Even When Screen Is Off
An investigation by Gamers Nexus, working with Level1Techs and independent security researchers, found that LG OLED TVs including the G5 actively scan home networks to identify phones, smartwatches and other nearby devices, while also capturing microphone audio even when the display appears off. The collected data, including Wi-Fi network names, signal strength and location details, is later uploaded once the TV reconnects to the internet and feeds into LG's advertising arm, LG Ad Solutions.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
LG claims 216 million global TV sales, but its ad division says it can already reach 363 million secondary devices in the US alone by tracking hardware sharing the same network—suggesting surveillance extends far beyond what buyers might expect from a television. This goes well beyond standard Automated Content Recognition tracking of viewing habits, raising serious privacy concerns about always-on audio capture and network mapping without clear user consent.
- LG TVs reportedly scan local networks to map phones, smartwatches and other connected devices.
- Microphone audio can be captured even when the screen appears off, with data uploaded once online.
- LG Ad Solutions claims access to 363 million secondary devices in the US via this tracking.
Apple TV 4K streaming box — If you'd rather keep your TV off the internet entirely, an Apple TV 4K lets you unplug the set's own smart platform and stream from a device with far clearer privacy controls. It handles the major streaming apps, AirPlay, and Dolby Vision/Atmos playback, so your LG panel can just be a great screen. Pair it with leaving the TV's Wi-Fi disconnected for peace of mind.
See Apple TV 4K streaming box on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: notebookcheck.net, 2026-09-07
Published there as: “LG smart TVs caught logging audio with screen off and snooping on local devices”
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