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Researchers demonstrated microphone access on a compromised LG TV during security testing.
LG says its TVs do not continuously record conversations and describes voice processing controls.
Owners can reduce exposure by updating firmware and reviewing privacy and network settings.
Smart TVs are now more than screens for watching movies and shows. They now run apps, connect to home networks, use microphones, and collect viewing data. This has raised fresh security concerns around LG smart TVs. A recent investigation examined several LG television models and their webOS software.
Researchers reported security weaknesses that could become serious if an attacker succeeded. They also demonstrated how a compromised TV could capture audio through its microphone. The findings have sparked an important question: Could hackers use an LG TV to spy on people at home?
Gamers Nexus, Level1Techs, and independent security researchers conducted the investigation. Their testing examined network activity, firmware behavior, and security weaknesses.
Researchers reported that some LG TVs could identify devices connected to the same local network. These included phones, computers, printers, switches, and smart-home hardware. They also observed information about nearby Wi-Fi networks. Such data could reveal details about a household's connected environment.
The researchers further reported remote-code-execution vulnerabilities. Full technical details remain undisclosed while responsible disclosure continues.
Also Read: Smart TV Buying Guide 2026: Key Features to Check Before Buying
Hackers using the TV to hear conversations can be the most concerning issue. Researchers demonstrated microphone access on a compromised television. The TV could capture room audio even when its display appeared to be off.
They also demonstrated audio being stored while the TV remained offline. This information could become available after network connectivity returned. However, this does not mean every LG TV secretly records conversations.
The distinction is important because the demonstration involved a compromised device. It showed what an attacker could potentially achieve after gaining control. LG strongly disputes claims that its TVs continuously record household conversations.
LG issued a privacy statement on September 12, 2026. The company said its TVs do not continuously record or transmit conversations. According to LG, voice processing starts after a supported wake word or remote button activation.
For enabled hands-free features, the TV can monitor locally for the wake word. The company said that the audio is discarded when no wake word is detected. Voice recognition then begins after the feature is activated. According to LG, voice sessions have defined limits and are not continuous conversations.
Some supported models also include a hardware microphone switch. Users can use it to disable the built-in microphone.
The security concerns extend beyond microphones. LG smart TVs can use Automatic Content Recognition, commonly called ACR. This technology creates digital fingerprints from television content. Those fingerprints can help identify programs, advertisements, and viewing habits.
ACR can therefore support personalized recommendations and advertising. Researchers also reported network-device discovery during their testing. This information could provide additional insight into connected households. According to LG, ACR is activated only with user consent. It also describes network scanning as a connectivity feature.
Users can take the following practical steps to reduce the risk.
Install available firmware updates as soon as possible. Security patches can reduce exposure to known vulnerabilities.
Review the TV's privacy and user-consent settings. Disable ACR, personalized advertising, and voice features you do not need.
Consider placing smart TVs on a separate guest or IoT network. This can limit access to other household devices.
Disable UPnP unless it serves a specific purpose. Avoid exposing TV services directly to the public internet.
These measures can reduce the potential impact if a smart TV becomes compromised.
Also Read: Beyond Streaming: How Smart TV Apps are Turning Televisions into Home Hubs
Owners have no reason to panic based on the current findings. The investigation demonstrates a potential security scenario involving compromised devices. It does not establish that ordinary LG TVs routinely spy on users.
At the same time, smart TVs deserve the same security attention as computers and smartphones. They are connected devices with microphones, software, apps, and access to home networks. The LG case highlights that reality clearly. Users should keep their TVs updated and review privacy settings regularly to reduce the potential for misuse.
Can hackers spy through an LG TV?
Researchers demonstrated microphone access on a compromised LG television. This showed what could happen after an attacker gained control. It does not establish that ordinary, uncompromised LG TVs routinely record household conversations.
Researchers demonstrated audio capture while the tested television appeared to be off. However, LG says its TVs do not continuously record conversations. Its statement says hands-free voice features can monitor locally for a wake word when enabled.
LG says its TVs do not continuously listen, record, or store conversations. For enabled hands-free voice control, the TV monitors for a supported wake word. LG says audio without a recognized wake word is locally processed and discarded.
Researchers reported several concerns during testing. These included local network discovery, nearby Wi-Fi information, ACR-related tracking, and security vulnerabilities. Some reported vulnerabilities remain under responsible disclosure.
ACR stands for Automatic Content Recognition. LG says the feature can identify content using audio fingerprinting. The company says ACR does not collect voice recordings, screenshots, screen recordings, or video recordings.
