LG denies smart TV spying claims as privacy experts warn of opaque tracking

LG has strongly denied allegations that its smart TVs are secretly recording users and scanning home networks, claiming recent reports have created "misconceptions" about how its screens work.

The response comes after investigations by the YouTube channels Gamers Nexus and Level1Techs accused the South Korean tech giant of tracking users without their knowledge. The researchers claimed that select LG models log ambient conversations through built-in microphones—even when disconnected from the internet—and then transcribe and upload the files to LG once a connection is restored. They also alleged that the TVs continuously scan home Wi-Fi networks to map other connected devices.

How has LG responded to the claims?

LG has pushed back against the reports, calling the spying claims flatly "not true" in a statement.

The company said its TVs only process voice data when a user holds down the microphone button on the remote or activates the hands-free wake-word feature, which listens for cues like "Hi LG". According to the company, this wake-word detection is processed locally on the television and is immediately deleted if the cue is not recognised.

As for mapping home networks, LG defended the practice as a "standard function" designed to help its televisions find and connect to other smart devices in the house. It added that its Automatic Content Recognition (ACR)—the software that fingerprints whatever is playing on screen to target ads—is strictly opt-in.

Why do privacy experts say the denial misses the point?

Privacy experts warn that LG’s defense does not address the full reality of modern data collection.

Anna Maria Mandalari, an associate professor at University College London, pointed out that LG's statement only promises that ACR data is not "used for advertising purposes" without consent.

"That is not necessarily the same as saying that no ACR data is collected or processed for any purpose," Mandalari said. She called on the company to clarify the complete lifecycle of the data it gathers. Mandalari’s own research also found that ACR continues to track media even when the television is simply acting as an external display for HDMI devices, such as a games console or laptop.

Is this normal for other smart TV brands?

Experts point out that LG is far from alone. Modern smart TVs from Samsung, Sony, TCL, and Hisense all rely on data harvesting to subsidise their hardware costs, making TVs cheaper to buy but costlier for personal privacy.

"People often consent to things they don't fully understand during a speedy setup," said Lillian Edwards, a professor of internet law at Newcastle University. "They just want to get the thing done and up and working."

While the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) declined to comment on this specific case, it reiterated that manufacturers should build "data protection into their products" and keep collection to a minimum.

For LG, the regulatory heat is already rising. The company recently settled a case with the Texas Attorney General, agreeing to strengthen and clarify its opt-in consent screens.