LG has responded to allegations that its smart TVs are logging and uploading user data, insisting that its devices do not continuously record or transmit conversations. However, critics remain unconvinced, pointing out that an LG TV was found to keep logs of ambient conversations long after it appeared to have stopped listening.

The company claims that features such as Automatic Content Recognition (ACR), voice recognition, and interest-based advertising are optional and not enabled by default. ACR, LG states, uses audio fingerprinting technology from the TV’s internal audio processor to identify content without collecting screenshots, screen recordings, or voice recordings.

Despite LG’s reassurances, broader concerns remain about the amount of data collected, who it is shared with, and the potential for exploitation. The company’s response does little to address these issues, leading to further questions about the true nature of data privacy in the smart home.

According to Gamers Nexus, an LG TV was shown to keep extensive logs of ambient conversations, contradicting LG’s claim that wake-word detection is processed locally and that the TV does not continuously record. This raises significant questions about the reliability of smart home devices and the extent to which users can trust their privacy.

The ongoing debate over data privacy in smart homes highlights the need for more transparency and accountability from technology companies. As smart devices become increasingly pervasive, the line between convenience and surveillance continues to blur, leaving users in a state of uncertainty.