LG officially denies reports that its smart TVs are secretly recording users

Electronics giant LG has formally denied allegations that its smart TVs are surreptitiously recording user conversations. The controversy began following a viral video report by Gamers Nexus, which claimed the devices capture audio even when powered off and collect extensive network and location data. In response, LG released a statement titled 'Understanding Privacy on LG Smart TVs,' clarifying that speech-to-text processing only initiates upon explicit user activation, such as using a wake-word or pressing a remote button. The company emphasized that audio processing occurs locally and is not stored or transmitted without user consent. While LG maintains that features like Automatic Content Recognition are optional and designed for content recommendations, the report has sparked broader industry concerns regarding consumer privacy. The incident highlights an ongoing tension between the convenience of smart home features and the necessity for transparent data handling practices by major technology manufacturers.