Report: LG Smart TVs May Scan Networks, Record Audio When Turned Off
In Short
Researchers have discovered a vulnerability that would allow some LG smart TVs to capture audio via the microphone even when the screen is turned off.
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Report: LG Smart TVs May Scan Networks, Record Audio When Turned Off
It seems that LG smart TVs are scanning home networks to find connected devices. New research from Gamers Nexus, Level1Techs and independent security experts shows that these TVs gather data about devices on the network. In some cases, they even record audio, from the microphone even when the TV screen is turned off.
During the investigation several LG TV models were analysed. These LG TVs were found capable of detecting devices connected to the same home Wi‑Fi network. The devices could be phones, computers, printers or smart home devices. Researchers stated that the LG TVs could also gather information about these devices. This means that the LG TVs can know what other appliances are connected in the home.
Researchers also discovered that the TVs can gather information about Wi‑Fi networks, including the network names and how strong the signals are. When this data is joined with viewing details from ACR (Automatic Content Recognition) and advertising IDs LG can build an accurate view of the home. That view shows what people in the house watch and what devices they use.
What is ACR?
A big part of the research was about Automatic Content Recognition (ACR). Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) is a feature that smart TVs use to find out what is playing on the screen and Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) lets users spot programs, advertisements and other content that users watch.
Research suggests that LG could use this viewing information in conjunction with advertising identifiers and data, about devices and networks.
The study also looked at LGs advertising business and at how data from homes with TVs can help LGs advertising business reach people, on different devices.
Can an LG TV really listen when it is turned off?
Although the research does not say that LG TVs regularly listen to people, experts showed that a weakness could let a broken LG TV pick up sound using its microphone even if it looked like it was off or in sleep mode. They also showed that the TV could save sound without being connected to the internet and get it back when the connection came back. However, it is important to remember that this weakness was shown on a TV that had been taken over; this does not mean that every LG TV records talks when it is off. The researchers also told LG about security flaws that could let someone run code remotely. Even though not all the technical details are out the researchers say that if a TV gets hacked these weaknesses could let an attacker listen to audio get into the home network or take control of devices connected to the same network.
What LG TV owners can do
To keep their information safe people should check the privacy settings on their TV and turn off any features they don't use. These features might include ACR, which's Automatic Content Recognition. They should also stop collecting viewing data. Personalised ads and voice recognition can also be turned off. People can also look at privacy options. They can use a network for visitors or, for other smart devices connected to the TV. Also, they should turn off UPnP on their router unless they really need it.
