Your LG smart TV is constantly collecting your data – here’s how to stop it
A recent investigation by Gamers Nexus revealed that LG smart TVs extensively collect sensitive user data, including audio recordings and search terms, for advertising purposes. This data is stored locally in logs and transmitted to servers in packets as frequently as every three seconds to enable targeted marketing and media recommendations. The article notes that while some data is temporary, sensitive information like payment details persists indefinitely and can only be permanently removed through a full factory reset.
- ▪LG AdSolutions reports that 49 million LG smart TVs are currently operating in the United States and 216 million globally.
- ▪Data packets sent to servers can include IP addresses, audio recordings, Wi-Fi settings, and geolocation data accurate to within 10 meters.
- ▪User activity logs are stored locally on the TV hardware and may persist indefinitely unless a factory reset is performed.
- ▪Collected data is used to serve targeted ads and curate media recommendations by comparing image and audio fingerprints against known content.
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| Publication time | 2026-09-25T12:18:24Z |
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Home & Office > Home Entertainment > TVs Your LG smart TV is constantly collecting your data – here’s how to stop it Factory resetting your LG TV is the only way to remove certain data logs from its hardware. Taylor Clemons Staff Writer Taylor Clemons is a tech writer and reviewer based near Cleveland, OH.… Read full bio Taylor Clemons Staff Writer Read full bio September 25, 2026, 8:18 am ET 4 min read Adam Breeden/ZDNET A few weeks ago, YouTube channel Gamers Nexus dropped an explosive two-hour video exposing just how extensive LG’s TV data collection has become. With ultra-sensitive microphones that are always listening and extensive user activity logs, your living room has become a data farm where you are the cash crop.
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