Recent tests have shown that LG smart TVs still engage in continuous data collection even in offline or standby mode. Gamers Nexus, in collaboration with Level1Techs and security researchers, tested several retail-priced LG OLED TVs and found that the devices actively scan the local network when the screen is turned off but power is not disconnected, collecting nearby Wi-Fi names, signal strength, and IP addresses and location information from hardware such as mobile phones. This data is then sent to LG Ad Solutions for advertising targeting. Additionally, even after the network connection is disconnected, the TVs still save audio logs locally and upload them upon reconnection; their ACR technology can also identify viewing content through audio and video sampling for analysis. Tests also revealed remote code execution vulnerabilities in the webOS system, and LG is addressing this issue according to its responsible disclosure procedures. Researchers recommend that users disconnect the TVs from the internet or use external streaming devices to avoid privacy risks. As of publication, LG has not responded to this matter.
Security researchers confirmed that LG smart TVs still scan the local network and collect user data when in standby mode.
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2026-09-07
Solidot and IT Home report issues with LG TVs’ recording capabilities.
Solidot and IT Home report that Gamers Nexus tests show LG smart TVs scanning the local network, collecting audio and location data during standby, and providing this information to LG Ad Solutions for targeted advertising.
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2026-09-08
The Verge reports on LG TVs’ network scanning during standby.
The Verge reports that LG smart TVs continue to upload data even when offline or in standby mode, including scanning Wi-Fi networks, recording audio logs, and identifying viewing content through audio and video sampling.
According to tests by Gamers Nexus, LG smart TVs continue to scan local networks, collect audio and location data when in standby mode, and provide this information to LG Ad Solutions for targeted advertising. Researchers tested several OLED TVs and found that the devices not only capture the names and signal strength of nearby Wi-Fi networks but also obtain IP addresses from hardware such as smartphones; even after disconnecting from Ethernet, the TVs still save recordings locally and upload them afterward. Additionally, the tests revealed a remote code execution vulnerability in webOS, and LG is addressing this issue according to its responsible disclosure procedures. Given its extensive monitoring capabilities, the research team recommends that users disconnect the TVs from the internet or use external streaming devices instead. As of publication time, LG has not responded to this matter.
LG smart TVs scan the home network and record microphone audio when in standby mode. Tests show that retail LG OLED TVs, including the G5, will search for nearby devices such as smartphones and smartwatches when the screen is off but power is not disconnected. They collect Wi-Fi names, signal strength, and location data, and send this information to LG Ad Solutions’ targeted advertising department. Additionally, LG supports Automated Content Recognition (ACR) technology to capture user viewing content, and even when the network connection is disconnected, the TV will save voice inputs locally and upload them after reconnecting. Researchers recommend that users directly disconnect the LG TV from the internet and use external streaming devices instead.