GoKawiilLG denies smart TVs secretly record audio, calls Gamers Nexus claims false
LG issued a statement to Tom's Hardware rejecting claims from a Gamers Nexus investigation that its smart TVs constantly log data and record ambient audio even in standby mode. LG confirmed its TVs scan local networks for other devices, a common smart-TV feature, but insisted voice data is only processed when a remote button is pressed or a wake word like 'Hi LG' is detected. The company said no audio is transmitted unless that wake word is recognized, and wake-word detection itself happens on-device rather than being sent to servers.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The dispute highlights growing public distrust of smart home devices and their always-on microphones, especially as independent security researchers increasingly probe firmware for hidden data collection. Whether LG's denial satisfies skeptics could shape consumer confidence in connected TVs broadly, given the scale of devices reportedly implicated.
- LG denies its TVs record ambient audio or upload data while in standby.
- The company confirms local network scanning but calls it a standard smart-TV function.
- Gamers Nexus' investigation, based on packet capture and firmware analysis, alleged issues across 216 million LG TVs.
Apple TV 4K streaming box — If the LG snooping claims have you wanting to yank your TV off Wi-Fi, an Apple TV 4K lets you keep the set offline and do all your streaming through a box with a much tighter privacy stance. You get the same apps plus AirPlay and a clean interface, without leaning on the TV's built-in smart platform.
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: tomshardware.com — Stephen Warwick, 2026-09-09
Published there as: “LG strongly denies TV security claims, says tracking and snooping concerns 'not true' — online investigation claims 216,000,000 TVs spy and record audio”
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