Tweakers · Technologie

LG smart TVs may be eavesdropping and scanning networks

LG smart TVs appear to be eavesdropping on users, even when in standby or without an internet connection, and scanning the home network to identify nearby devices. This is according to research by Gamers Nexus.

Researchers from Gamers Nexus and Level1Techs analyzed LG TVs and discovered that they scan the local network for devices such as servers, printers, and phones. The TVs collect IP addresses and Wi-Fi network information, which they forward to LG Ad Solutions. Additionally, they use 'automated content recognition' to determine what users are watching via digital fingerprints of audio and video.

The TVs collect not only audio from the screen but also from the microphone for voice control. This happens even without an internet connection, with the audio being stored locally and later uploaded to LG once a connection is re-established.

During the research, several vulnerabilities were discovered and reported to LG. For example, the microphone can be used to eavesdrop on users without permission for voice recordings, and 'remote code execution' vulnerabilities were found, allowing an attacker to manipulate the TV remotely. The researchers advise disconnecting LG TVs from the internet and using external streaming devices.

Although not all LG models could be tested, Gamers Nexus suspects that the findings apply to all LG smart TVs, of which 216 million units have been sold worldwide. LG has not yet responded to the findings.

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