LG TVS LOG DATA EVEN WHEN OFFLINE

The investigation found that LG television sets perform extensive data logging operations regardless of connection status or power state. The TVs scan nearby Wi-Fi networks to identify connected devices, activate microphones to record audio logs, and analyze video and audio feeds to determine what content users are watching across multiple input sources. Gamers Nexus documented these behaviors across multiple LG models, including the G5 OLED. The testing revealed that data collection persists even when TVs are offline or in standby mode, raising significant privacy concerns for users who may be unaware of the extent of monitoring occurring within their homes. The findings indicate that LG TVs engage in what appears to be passive surveillance of household environments. The microphone activation to log audio and the continuous network scanning suggest systematic data gathering beyond what users might expect from a television set. This discovery adds to growing concerns about privacy in connected home devices. Smart TVs have previously faced scrutiny over data collection practices, but the breadth of monitoring documented in LG sets—particularly the ability to identify viewing content and household devices—represents a notable escalation in scope. The implications extend beyond individual privacy. Network scanning and device identification could map residential network configurations, while audio and video sampling creates detailed records of household activity and viewing patterns. These data streams may be collected for advertising targeting, content recommendation algorithms, or other commercial purposes. LG has not yet publicly responded to the Gamers Nexus findings. The report does not specify which data collection features users can disable or what LG's stated policies are regarding offline data handling. The discovery underscores the ongoing tension between connected device functionality and user privacy. Consumers purchasing smart TVs typically have limited visibility into what data these devices collect, how long they retain it, or how extensively they operate when not actively in use.