LG Smart TVs May Eavesdrop on Home Conversations Even When Off, Report Claims

LG smart TVs could be listening to home conversations even when off, according to a new report. Experts advise disabling ACR features.

Editorial Desk

September 9, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — City, Country — A recent investigation reveals that certain LG smart TV models may have the capability to capture audio from users’ homes, even when the device is powered down.

The findings come from a collaborative report by tech analysts at Gamers Nexus and Level1Techs, who discovered that some LG TV models contain ACR tracking technology and security vulnerabilities that could allow unauthorized access.

Researchers found that these devices can identify connected devices on local networks, including smartphones, computers, and smart home gadgets. They also noted that firmware analysis showed the ability to collect network information, such as names and signal strength. If compromised, these TVs could act as covert listening devices, storing audio data even when disconnected from power and retrieving it once reconnected.

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Malwarebytes has urged owners of affected models to install all available firmware updates, especially those related to security, and to disable ACR, personalized ads, and other data collection features. Consumer Reports also advises turning off ACR to reduce the amount of user data collected.

LG is not the only company facing scrutiny over ACR practices. In 2017, Vizio was investigated for collecting user data without consent, and Samsung recently settled with Texas regulators over similar concerns. The report highlights growing public awareness and concern about how smart devices handle personal information.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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