LG smart TVs amass user data; factory reset only clears on-device logs
A recent investigation highlighted that LG smart TVs continuously capture audio, search terms, and activity logs, sharing them with LG's advertising arm. The data is stored locally and transmitted to servers, with location accuracy up to 10 meters via Wi-Fi. A factory reset is the sole method to erase certain stored logs from the TV's hardware.
The investigation revealed that LG's data collection operates through two distinct mechanisms. Local data logs record user activities with timestamps for diagnostic purposes, while data packets transmit real-time snapshots including IP addresses, audio samples, and Wi-Fi settings to LG's servers. These packets can be dispatched as frequently as every three seconds.
LG AdSolutions, the company's advertising subsidiary, manages data from 49 million active LG smart TVs in the United States and 216 million worldwide. The system can determine a user's location within 10 meters by analyzing home Wi-Fi network signals. This information feeds targeted advertising and media recommendations, with stored logs persisting indefinitely unless users perform a factory reset.
This revelation could affect the estimated 49 million LG smart TV owners in the US who may be unaware of the extent of data collection occurring in their living rooms. Consumers may need to weigh convenience against privacy, potentially reconsidering smart TV features or seeking alternative devices. The findings could pressure manufacturers to offer clearer opt-out options, though the always-on microphone design suggests privacy trade-offs are built into the product model itself.