A new investigation by Gamers Nexus, Level1Techs and independent security researchers found that tested LG smart TVs were capable of scanning a household’s local network and identifying devices such as phones, smartwatches, routers and computers—even when those devices were not paired with the TV.
Researchers also found the TVs could collect details including internal IP addresses and nearby Wi-Fi network information.
The investigation also reported that microphone audio could be captured while a TV was in standby or disconnected from the internet. According to the researchers, audio could be stored locally while offline and related data transmitted after the TV reconnected.
Importantly, “disconnected” here means disconnected from the network—not physically unplugged from electrical power.
LG disputed the broader claims. The company said its TVs scan compatible devices on the same network to support features such as connectivity, content sharing and smart-home functions.
LG also said voice data is processed only when the remote’s voice button is pressed or when an enabled wake-word feature recognizes a command.
Sources: Gamers Nexus investigation, Ars Technica, The Register, LG Electronics.