LG Denies Smart TV Spying Claims Amid 216M Device Allegations
Original: LG denies TV spying claims, says tracking and snooping concerns 'not true'
Why This Matters
Smart TV privacy scrutiny is intensifying globally; a confirmed breach at this scale would reshape consent and data-collection norms across the industry.
LG Electronics has denied claims that its smart TVs spy on users and record audio, calling the allegations 'not true.' An online investigation alleged that approximately 216 million LG TVs are capable of tracking and recording user audio without consent, prompting a firm rebuttal from the South Korean company.
LG Electronics has issued a strong denial in response to viral claims that its smart TVs conduct covert surveillance on users. An online investigation alleged that around 216 million LG televisions are equipped with functionality that enables audio recording and behavioral tracking — raising significant privacy concerns among consumers.
LG stated that the tracking and snooping allegations are 'not true,' though the company's full technical rebuttal was not detailed in available reporting. The claims appear to have gained traction online before LG moved to counter them publicly.
Smart TV privacy has been a recurring concern across the industry. Manufacturers including Samsung and Vizio have previously faced regulatory scrutiny over automatic content recognition (ACR) technology, which monitors viewing habits. Whether LG's denial addresses ACR specifically or broader audio-capture allegations remains unclear from current reporting.
The scale cited — 216 million devices — would represent a substantial portion of LG's global TV install base, making the claims particularly alarming to privacy advocates. No independent technical verification of the original investigation's findings has been publicly confirmed at this time.