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LG's Smart TVs are at the centre of a new investigation into user privacy. An analysis by Gamers Nexus and independent security researchers found that the devices can scan the home Wi-Fi network and collect information about devices on it. The issue is even more serious when it comes to the microphone, which can record and transcribe conversations even when the TV screen is switched off. Researchers also point to the widespread use of Automatic Content Recognition technology, which analyses the content being watched. LG has so far not publicly commented on the findings presented.
LG televisions collect far more data than you might expect
An investigation by Gamers Nexus shows that LG televisions can continuously scan and map the home Wi-Fi network to identify other connected devices. The information collected can include, among other things, IP address, location and the names of nearby wireless networks. These data may 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 on other devices. The researchers also examined the microphone in the TV or its remote control. Once the voice feature is activated, the device can record words spoken in the room and convert them into text. The microphone must first be woken with the command "Hi LG", but the analysis suggests accidental activation can occur. After detecting silence the microphone may remain active for around 10 to 15 seconds. What is particularly worrying is that the researchers were able to record and transcribe conversations even with the TV screen switched off. Moreover, tests reportedly showed that such data can be stored even when the TV was not connected to the internet at the time. When the connection is restored the information may be sent to LG. This can happen even when the device connects to the network only to download software updates. Gamers Nexus points out that this behaviour appears to contradict LG’s statements that the company’s TVs do not collect, record or store conversations conducted around the device.
ACR analyses what you watch
The other important element of the case is Automatic Content Recognition (ACR), a technology for automatically recognising 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 delivered by external devices connected via HDMI. That means tracking can cover not only apps run directly on the TV. The information collected can then be used, among other things, for advertising and 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 was drawn to statements from LG Ad Solutions about the value of the data collected by TVs. In materials aimed at partners and advertisers the company is said to have portrayed the TV as a significant source of user information. The size of that ecosystem is notable: according to LG, 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 them recommend that people who are particularly concerned about privacy disconnect their LG TV from the internet. An alternative is to use an external media player that can take over Smart TV functions. The TV can still be controlled with its remote, and this approach should reduce the amount of data collected directly by its platform.
The Gamers Nexus investigation points to a number of data‑collection mechanisms present in LG Smart TVs. The greatest controversy concerns the ability to record and transcribe conversations with the screen turned off and to scan devices on the home network. There is also ACR technology, which analyses viewed content and can be used to profile users. LG has not yet responded to the findings, and users who prioritise privacy can reduce the risk by disconnecting the TV from the internet.
source: flatpanelshd
