Investigation finds LG smart TVs record audio and scan home networks while off

Overview

Updated Sep 7

LG smart TVs keep listening after the screen goes dark. A 135-minute investigation from Gamers Nexus, built with Level1Techs and three independent security researchers, shows the sets recording microphone audio in standby, mapping every device on the home network, and collecting nearby Wi-Fi details.

The team tested retail LG OLED models including the G5. When they cut a TV's internet connection, it stored voice clips locally and uploaded them once the connection returned.

Why it matters

Your LG TV may record your conversations and catalog your home devices even when off — and unpatched flaws could leave it open to attackers.

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Key Indicators

216M

LG smart TVs in circulation

Figure Gamers Nexus cites for the global installed base of LG TVs at the start of its video.

$70K

Investigation cost

Total research cost across Gamers Nexus, Level1Techs, and the security researchers.

500

Research hours

Time invested in packet captures, firmware analysis, and testing.

Voices

Curated perspectives — historical figures and your fellow readers.

People Involved

Steve Burke

Founder of Gamers Nexus, lead investigator

Published findings; full vulnerability details withheld during responsible disclosure

Organizations Involved

LG Electronics

Consumer electronics manufacturer

Subject of investigation; no public response as of September 7

South Korean electronics maker whose smart TVs are sold worldwide.

Gamers Nexus

Hardware review outlet

Led the investigation

PC hardware testing outlet that published the 135-minute investigative video.

Level1Techs

Technology media and hardware outlet

Collaborated on investigation

Technology outlet that worked with Gamers Nexus on the LG TV investigation.

Timeline

2 events Latest: September 7th, 2026 · 2 months ago

September 2026
Investigation published
Latest Investigation

Gamers Nexus releases 135-minute video documenting LG TV audio logging, network scans, and Wi-Fi collection.
September 7th, 2026
No LG response; flaws disclosed
Disclosure

Researchers report webOS remote code execution vulnerabilities to LG; company has not commented.
September 7th, 2026

Scenarios

LG patches disclosed webOS flaws

Likely Resolves by Jun 1, 2027

Discussed by: Malwarebytes security analysts

After the responsible disclosure window closes, LG ships firmware updates that fix the remote code execution vulnerabilities and tighten network listeners. The patches also change how automatic content recognition (ACR) handles audio and viewing data by default.

Regulators open LG data privacy probe

Possible Resolves by Sep 1, 2027

Discussed by: Privacy advocates citing the 2017 Vizio settlement

The Federal Trade Commission or EU data protection authorities open an inquiry into LG's ACR and audio collection practices. The probe mirrors the 2017 Vizio case, where the company paid $2.2 million for collecting viewing data from 11 million TVs without consent.

LG denies findings, no material change

Possible Resolves by Mar 1, 2027

Discussed by: Observers noting LG's previous public denials

LG issues a statement repeating that its TVs do not collect ambient audio, frames ACR as opt-in with user consent, and releases routine firmware updates. The story fades without regulatory or product changes.

Historical Context

2 moments from history that rhyme with this story — and how they unfolded.

February 2017

Vizio FTC settlement (2017)

Vizio sold smart TVs that tracked viewing habits through automatic content recognition, collecting data from about 11 million sets without telling buyers. The Federal Trade Commission and the New Jersey attorney general sued.

Then

Vizio paid $2.2 million to settle, the FTC's first smart TV case.

Now

Established that ACR data collection without meaningful consent violates consumer protection law.

Why this matters now

The same ACR technology sits at the center of the LG investigation, and the Vizio settlement is the template for possible regulatory action.

February 2015

Samsung smart TV voice policy (2015)

Samsung's smart TV privacy policy warned that voice commands could be sent to third parties and that 'sensitive information' might be captured. Critics and security researchers seized on the admission.

Then

Samsung clarified that voice data was processed only to fulfill commands.

Now

Focused public attention on smart TV microphones and the gap between what users expect and what devices capture.

Why this matters now

The LG investigation echoes the same concern: microphones that record without clear user knowledge.