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LG's Smart TVs have become the focus of a new investigation into user privacy. Analysis by Gamers Nexus and independent security researchers found that the devices can scan the home Wi‑Fi network and collect information about devices connected to it. More seriously, the microphone can record and transcribe conversations even when the TV screen is turned off. Researchers also point to the widespread use of Automatic Content Recognition, which analyses the content being watched. LG has not yet publicly commented on the findings.
LG TVs collect far more data than you might expect
An investigation by Gamers Nexus shows LG TVs may continuously scan and map the home Wi-Fi network to identify other connected devices. Collected information can include, among other things, IP addresses, location and the names of nearby wireless networks. This data can then be used to build a profile of the user and their family. Such a profile can be used, for example, to target adverts shown on the TV or other devices. The researchers also examined the microphone in the TV or its remote. When voice functionality is activated, the device can record words spoken in the room and convert them to text. The microphone must first be woken with the command "Hi LG", but the analysis suggests it can be triggered accidentally. After detecting silence the microphone can remain active for about 10 to 15 seconds. It is particularly troubling that the researchers were able to record and transcribe conversations even with the TV screen turned off. Moreover, the tests reportedly showed the ability to store such data even when the TV was not connected to the internet at the time. Once a connection is restored, the information can be sent to LG. This can happen even when the device only connects to the network to download firmware updates. Gamers Nexus points out that this behaviour appears to contradict LG's statements that its TVs do not collect, record or store conversations taking place near the device.
ACR analyses what you watch
The second key element in the case is Automatic Content Recognition (ACR), the technology that automatically recognises content. ACR is not new and has been used in Smart TVs from various manufacturers for many years. The technology can regularly analyse the image shown on the screen, including content supplied by external devices connected via HDMI. That means tracking can cover not only apps run directly on the TV. Collected information can then be used, among other things, for advertising and for building user profiles. According to FlatpanelsHD, the issue has been known in the industry for a decade or more, so it is not limited to LG. In LG’s case, however, particular attention focused on statements from LG Ad Solutions about the value of the data collected by TVs. In materials aimed at partners and advertisers, the company reportedly presented the TV as an important source of information about the user. The size of that ecosystem is significant: LG data indicates more than 216 million of its Smart TVs have already been sold. The total number of smart TVs sold by all manufacturers is estimated at between 1.3 and 1.5 billion devices. Gamers Nexus and researchers working with it recommend that people particularly concerned about privacy disconnect their LG TV from the internet. An alternative is to use an external media player, which can take over the Smart TV functions. The TV can still be operated with the remote, and this approach should reduce the amount of data collected directly by its platform.
An investigation by Gamers Nexus points to a range of data‑collection mechanisms present in LG Smart TVs. The biggest controversy is the possibility of recording and transcribing conversations with the screen turned off, and scanning devices on the home network. Added to that is ACR technology, which analyses viewed content and can be used to profile users. LG has not yet responded to the findings, and people who prioritise privacy can reduce the risk by disconnecting the TV from the internet.
source: flatpanelshd
