LG TVs reportedly spy on you even when the screen is off

LG TVs are eavesdropping on you even when seemingly turned off, according to a report by YouTubers Gamers Nexus and Level1Techs.

In a more than two-hour-long video, the channels investigated the South Korean tech giant’s approach to Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) systems, which companies normally use to identify viewership behaviours. Per the Gamers Nexus video, LG takes this practice even further by leveraging its TV sets to scan Wi-Fi networks for nearby devices, recording audio through microphones (including those in remotes) and more.

Alarmingly, Gamers Nexus found that TVs are still carrying out data capture even when the TV is offline or in standby mode. In those cases, files are simply stored offline and then automatically uploaded once an internet connection is resumed. All of this information is then fed to LG Ad Solutions.

Of course, this is a huge privacy violation on LG’s part. That said, it should be noted that practically every smart TV company is using ACR in various ways. It’s all about data collection, naturally.

Update Sept. 10, 2026 at 9:51 a.m. ET: In a statement to MobileSyrup, LG Electronics disputed the claims made by Gamers Nexus, saying they “are not true.”

LG  said its TVs only “process voice data only when the voice button on the remote control is pressed and held, or when a wake word such as ‘Hi LG’ is recognized.” Further, the company says its TVs don’t collect or record ambient conversations. However, Gamers Nexus showed in the video how LG TVs store transcripts of conversations in plain text.

Additionally, LG acknowledges that its TVs can scan for and connect to nearby devices on the network, noting that it’s “a standard function commonly provided by smart TVs and smart home devices.” While that may be true, Gamers Nexus highlight just how pervasive this feature is, gathering information on everything from connected phones and laptops to even their smart thermostat.

Finally, LG said its ACR technology is “provided on an opt-in basis” and is not used for advertising purposes if users don’t consent. However, Gamers Nexus showed in its video that LG’s software makes it hard to tell whether you’re opted in or out, and uses other dark patterns to trick people into opting in. Gamers Nexus does acknowledge that when fully opted out, the LG TVs send less information, but still send occasional “beacons” such as when the TV turns on or is online.

Image credit: LG

Via: The Verge