GoKawiilLG Smart TVs Found Logging Audio and Network Data Even While Offline
An investigation by Gamers Nexus, in partnership with Level1Techs and independent researchers, found that LG OLED smart TVs continuously scan local networks for nearby devices, track Wi-Fi and location data, and can record microphone audio even in standby mode. The TVs reportedly stored this data locally when disconnected from the internet and uploaded it to LG Ad Solutions once reconnected.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The findings suggest that turning off or disconnecting a smart TV does not guarantee privacy, since surveillance features can persist offline and sync later. This raises fresh concerns about how much control consumers actually have over data collected by supposedly passive home devices, especially given LG's history of bundling intrusive software with its products.
- LG TVs reportedly scan networks and record audio even while offline or in standby.
- Collected data is stored locally and uploaded to LG Ad Solutions once internet access resumes.
- The findings follow earlier reports of LG installing adware-like software on Windows PCs.
Firewalla Purple Smart Firewall — If the idea of your TV quietly phoning home bothers you, Firewalla Purple lets you actually see what devices on your network are talking to and block the destinations you don't want. It plugs into your existing router setup and gives per-device visibility and rules, which is exactly the kind of control the Gamers Nexus packet-capture investigation shows is useful. A practical way to keep a smart TV on a short leash without unplugging it entirely.
See Firewalla Purple Smart Firewall 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: yro.slashdot.org, 2026-09-08
Published there as: “LG TVs Caught Spying Even When Offline or On Standby”
Read the original report → The summary and analysis above are GoKawiil's own, written from reporting by the source above. Facts and quotes belong to the original publisher.