LG smart TVs are alleged to scan the network and record advertising data when in standby mode
2026-09-07 22:04Cybersecurity🔥 52.3 heat score
3sources
1days unfolding
52.3heat score
5mentions
SummaryAI generated
Recently, security researchers from Gamers Nexus found through joint testing that several LG OLED smart TVs (including the G5 model) still actively scan the home network when the screen is turned off but the power is not cut off. The tests revealed that the devices collect Wi-Fi names, signal strength, IP addresses, and location information from nearby phones, watches, and other devices, and send this data to LG Ad Solutions for targeted advertising. Additionally, even when the network connection is disconnected, LG TVs save voice inputs locally and upload them after reconnecting; its ACR (Automatic Content Recognition) function also continues to operate to collect fingerprints of watched content. Researchers also pointed out that the webOS system has remote code execution vulnerabilities. Given these privacy risks, 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 issue yet.
Recently, Gamers Nexus, in collaboration with security researchers, found that several LG OLED TVs (such as the LG G5) continuously scan the local network, identify devices like mobile phones, and collect audio through the microphone when in standby mode. Wireshark packet capture confirmed that the TVs still collect IP addresses, Wi-Fi names, signal strength, and location data even when the screens are turned off, and these data are uploaded to LG Ad Solutions for targeted advertising. The ACR function generates content fingerprints simultaneously; after the network is disconnected, recordings are cached locally, and upon reconnection, they are uploaded. The research team also identified a remote code execution vulnerability in webOS. Users are advised to disconnect the TVs from the network and use external streaming devices instead. LG has not responded yet.
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.