Gamers Nexus uncovered nuanced data practices in LG TVs, revealing no permanent listening but focused viewing habit tracking for ads.
Gamers Nexus investigation into LG TVs
A recent investigation by Gamers Nexus into LG televisions has raised concerns about potential data collection practices, though the findings have been nuanced.No permanent listening by LG
The investigation involved hacking and modifying the TV's system with physical intervention to access the microphones, indicating that there is no organized permanent listening by the manufacturer.Data collection focuses on viewing habits
Data collection primarily focuses on viewing habits, which are used to refine advertising targeting. This practice is common among all TV manufacturers.LG uses ACR technology
LG specifically mentions analyzing the sound of the program, rather than sound captured by the microphone, using ACR (automatic content recognition) technology. This system identifies programs through fingerprints taken from the image or sound of the TV.User options to limit tracking
To limit tracking, users are advised to examine consents requested during installation and disable data collection options in the settings. Disconnecting the television from the Internet is the most radical solution but results in losing the benefits of a connected television and its applications.
