LG Smart TVs Reportedly Scan Home Networks and Record Audio in Standby Mode
A new investigation has raised serious privacy concerns around LG smart TVs, claiming that some webOS-powered models can scan home networks, identify nearby devices, collect viewing data, and even store microphone audio while the screen appears to be off.
According to the testing, LG OLED TVs, including recent retail models, were observed actively communicating across the local network. Using network monitoring tools, researchers found that the TVs were not only connecting to LG services but also sweeping the home network to detect other devices, such as smartphones, smartwatches, and additional connected hardware.
The investigation claims that these TVs can collect internal IP addresses, device information, nearby Wi-Fi network names, signal strength data, and location-related details. This information appears to feed into LG’s advertising and analytics systems, which are designed to support targeted ads and audience measurement.
One of the biggest concerns involves secondary devices. LG’s advertising business reportedly uses smart TVs to help identify other connected devices in the same household. This allows advertisers to build a broader profile of users and their home technology ecosystem, even beyond what is happening directly on the TV screen.
The report also highlights LG’s use of Automated Content Recognition, commonly known as ACR. This technology analyzes audio and video signals from what appears on the screen and converts them into digital fingerprints. In practice, that can allow a smart TV to identify what users are watching across apps, cable boxes, game consoles, and other HDMI-connected devices.
Even more concerning, researchers said they were able to capture clear microphone audio while the TV appeared to be powered down in standby mode. In one test, the television was disconnected from Ethernet, but it reportedly continued saving voice input locally. Once the internet connection was restored, the stored data was uploaded.
This finding suggests that some data collection may continue even when users believe the TV is inactive. While smart TVs often remain partially powered in standby mode for features like wake commands, updates, and quick startup, the idea that microphone data could be retained and later transmitted is likely to alarm privacy-conscious owners.
The investigation also mentioned security vulnerabilities affecting webOS, including remote code execution issues. These flaws are reportedly being handled through a responsible disclosure process, meaning details may be limited until fixes are prepared or released.
Because of the broad network activity and data collection observed during testing, the researchers recommended keeping LG smart TVs disconnected from the internet when possible. They also suggested using an external streaming device instead of relying on built-in smart TV apps, especially for users who want more control over privacy settings and network access.
For LG TV owners, the report is a reminder to review privacy controls carefully. Users may want to disable voice recognition features, turn off personalized advertising, limit content recognition settings, and check whether the TV needs to remain connected to the internet at all. Placing the TV on a separate guest network may also reduce its ability to scan other household devices.
At the time of writing, LG has not issued a public response to the claims.
The findings add to growing concerns about smart TV privacy. Modern televisions are no longer simple displays; they are connected computers with microphones, apps, advertising systems, and always-on network capabilities. For many users, the convenience of built-in streaming and voice controls may now come with a bigger question: how much data is your TV collecting when you are not watching?
