A jailbroken LG television was able to capture and store voice recordings even while appearing to be turned off, according to a new security investigation by YouTube channel Gamers Nexus working alongside security researchers from Level1 Techs. The test examined an off-the-shelf LG TV after researchers exploited software vulnerabilities, including a Remote Code Execution flaw, to gain access to the device's internal functions. The team concluded that LG TVs can function as "eavesdropping listening devices" due to advertising features and what appears to be excessive data collection.
The compromised television gathered and retained IP addresses, geographic location data, advertising identifiers, and the names of Wi-Fi networks within range—including networks from neighboring properties that weren't connected to the TV. It also logged other devices on the same network, even when those devices had no direct connection to the television. Researchers forced the TV to record audio through its built-in microphone while the device was on standby and appeared powered down. The team also demonstrated that if the TV wasn't connected to a network, captured content remained stored internally and could be transmitted once the device reconnected. Some of this data collection stems from Automatic Content Recognition technology, an advertising tracking system embedded in most smart TVs that silently monitors screen activity to build user profiles for targeted marketing.
The researchers stated that the LG TV's "native behavior parallels malware," a characterization they applied to both the breadth of data collection and the device's capacity to monitor individuals. According to Gamers Nexus, "the capabilities are there to be used as a listening device," though they noted that who might exploit these functions remains an open question. The investigation suggests that while a physical attack scenario—someone breaking in to hack a TV and wait for audio—is highly unlikely, the features exist and could be exploited under the right circumstances.
The report argues that the real issue isn't imminent hacking threats but rather a lack of consumer awareness about how advanced TV technology has become. Smart televisions now include Internet connectivity as standard, often incorporate AI assistants, and have the potential to become privacy-invading tools in certain circumstances. The researchers recommend that consumers take active steps to limit data collection by adjusting privacy settings, disabling microphones if voice features aren't used, turning off ACR tracking, blocking third-party data sharing, and avoiding unnecessary app downloads. Even unplugging the TV may not be sufficient to stop inherent monitoring features, the report warns, making manual configuration of privacy controls essential for users who want to reduce tracking. Smart TV manufacturers will face mounting pressure to redesign default settings as security researchers continue exposing how easily connected home devices can pivot from convenience tools to surveillance risks.