Four months after LG assured Texas regulators it had reined in its data-tracking practices, a fresh investigation suggests the company's smart TVs may still be quietly surveilling their owners—scanning home networks and even capturing microphone audio while the screen appears to be off.
What the Investigation Found
Tech outlet Gamers Nexus conducted a deep technical review of LG televisions and uncovered behavior that raises serious privacy concerns. According to their findings, the sets actively scan every device connected to a user's home network, effectively building a map of what people own and use in their households.
More alarming, the investigation reported that the TVs were capturing microphone audio even when the display was switched off, meaning the devices could potentially listen in during moments owners assumed were private.
A television that keeps listening after you think it's off is no longer just an appliance—it's a monitor.
The probe casts fresh doubt on assurances LG gave earlier this year, when the company told Texas authorities it had cleaned up its data collection and tracking systems.
Why It Matters
Smart TVs have increasingly become a flashpoint in the broader debate over consumer surveillance, as manufacturers seek to monetize viewing habits and household data through advertising and analytics. The gap between corporate promises and actual device behavior underscores how difficult it can be for regulators and consumers to verify what these products are really doing.
For owners, the practical takeaways are stark:
- Connected TVs may be cataloging other devices on your network
- Microphone features can remain active even when the screen is dark
- Regulatory pledges do not always translate into changes on the ground
The findings arrive as privacy advocates push for stronger oversight of connected home devices, arguing that consumers deserve transparency about what data is gathered and when. For now, the report serves as a reminder that a powered-down screen does not necessarily mean a powered-down device.