LG denies TV spying claims, says tracking and snooping concerns 'not true' (tomshardware.com)

Article summary

LG has denied claims that its smart TVs spy on users, stating that voice data is only processed when the voice button is pressed or a wake word is recognized. The company admits that its TVs scan for devices on the same network, but claims this is a standard function of smart TVs. LG also states that its Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) feature is opt-in and requires user consent. The claims were made in a video by Gamers Nexus, which alleged that LG TVs collect and upload user data without consent.

Main themes

• Smart TV data collection
• User privacy
• Corporate transparency
• Regulatory oversight
• Business models
• Technology and society

What commenters say

• Some commenters believe that LG's denial is not credible and that the company is likely collecting user data without consent.
• Others argue that the issue is not with LG specifically, but with the broader trend of companies collecting user data without transparency or consent.
• There is disagreement over whether LG's ACR feature is truly opt-in, with some arguing that it is enabled by default and requires users to opt-out.
• Some commenters suggest that the only way to avoid data collection is to not connect smart devices to the internet or to purchase devices that do not have these features.
• Others believe that laws and regulations, such as the GDPR, are necessary to protect user privacy and prevent companies from collecting data without consent.
• There is also a discussion about the business model of smart TV manufacturers, with some arguing that they make money by selling user data and others arguing that the cost of producing TVs has decreased due to improved manufacturing processes.
• Some commenters are skeptical of the motivations of companies like Gamers Nexus, which they believe may be sensationalizing the issue for attention and views.