this post was submitted on 07 Sep 2026
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An investigation by Gamers Nexus found LG smart TVs sweep local networks to map phones and nearby devices. Tests also showed the sets can capture microphone audio with the screen off — they then upload data once reconnected to the internet.

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[–] lemmydividebyzero@reddthat.com 33 points 1 month ago (3 children)

Suggestions for people who only need and want a good screen instead of an ad infested spy station?

[–] macros@feddit.org 21 points 1 month ago (3 children)

Use them as such, why would you give your screen Internet? Attach a Mediacenter of your choice, e.g. Kodi.

Update firmware over USB.

[–] eru@mouse.chitanda.moe 15 points 1 month ago (2 children)

you would think its as simple as that, but i have seen reports of lg automatically connecting to open networks if they are available

theres also the possibility of them adding some cellular transmitter in the future

maybe the only way is the desolder all the wireless antennas...

Faraday laminate around the antenna also.

[–] dev_null@lemmy.ml 1 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago)

Can you link these reports? Not that I don't believe it, but I see many comments claiming this and never including any evidence.

[–] mirshafie@europe.pub 11 points 1 month ago (2 children)

Why? Why would I accept a device in my home that will snoop on me if I use it as intended?

[–] SystemDisc@feddit.org 5 points 1 month ago (2 children)

I think the point is they can't upload anything if they're not connected. Unfortunately, they're some of the best OLED TVs right now in terms of the display

[–] mirshafie@europe.pub 6 points 1 month ago (1 children)

I do understand that but I don't think it's something we should accept. Next thing these fuckers have their own 5G antenna and connect to mobile with zero config, then what, rip out the antenna or literally wrap it in tinfoil?

[–] SystemDisc@feddit.org 3 points 1 month ago

I agree. Don't support what you don't support. That being said, some people are ok with the trade-offs and that's entirely up to them

My TV is 15 years old and works fine. Getting the best TV out there is not very meaningful anymore.

[–] merc@sh.itjust.works 1 points 1 month ago

Because if you want a screen of a certain size, there are no other reasonable options.

The same reason you might buy a phone that will spy on you and show you ads. You can't buy a phone that doesn't do that.

[–] JcbAzPx@lemmy.world 2 points 1 month ago

LGs will find nearby wifi that will let them on to phone home. It doesn't matter if your own network is locked down. And if they're doing it, it's likely others are as well.

[–] FrostyPolicy@suppo.fi 5 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) (3 children)

Ironically LG still makes good screens. Just don't ever connect their TVs to the network.

Edit: If you must connect it to a network connect it to a different VLAN (Guest network) with no other devices.

[–] TipRing@lemmy.world 7 points 1 month ago (1 children)

It might be best to connect it to a network that just blackholes the traffic so it doesn't go hunting for some open wifi.

[–] merc@sh.itjust.works 3 points 1 month ago

If it's like a lot of other devices, it will realize that it can't get to "The Internet" through that network, and might disconnect. It's possible it will then look for another option, and might see an open network and use it.

[–] FG_3479@lemmy.world 4 points 1 month ago

However their budget models (under $400) are very uncompetitive.

TCL and Hisense are much better at those, and you can disable Wi-Fi then plug in your own box.

[–] ramenshaman@lemmy.world 3 points 1 month ago

Can confirm. My LG C3 has never touched the internet (and never will) and it's amazing.

[–] end_stage_ligma@lemmy.world 2 points 1 month ago

Used commercial displays maybe.