LG smart TVs log audio in standby, map home networks, Gamers Nexus finds

Gamers Nexus, working with Level1Techs and independent security researchers, found LG smart TVs sweep home networks, map nearby devices, and capture microphone audio while appearing to be off, according to a 135-minute investigation video. Packet captures from retail OLED models including the G5 showed the sets scanning local networks for phones and smartwatches, gathering device names, neighboring Wi-Fi signal strengths, and location data. That data flows to LG Ad Solutions, which says it tracks 363 million secondary addressable devices in the US alone by monitoring other hardware on the same network.

Testing also showed the TVs capture clean microphone audio in standby mode. When the team disconnected a set from Ethernet, it kept saving voice input locally and uploaded the stored files once network access returned. The sets also run Automated Content Recognition, which fingerprints on-screen audio and video to log viewing across inputs.

The researchers documented remote code execution vulnerabilities in webOS now moving through responsible disclosure. LG has not commented. The team recommends disconnecting LG sets from the internet and using external streaming devices.