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LG smart TVs caught logging audio with screen off and snooping on local devices (www.notebookcheck.net)
submitted 2 days ago by to c/technology@lemmy.world
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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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[–] 33 points 2 days ago (17 children)

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

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  • [–] 21 points 2 days ago (10 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.

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  • [–] 14 points 2 days 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...

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  • [–] 11 points 2 days ago (5 children)

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

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  • [–] 5 points 2 days ago (3 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

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  • [–] 6 points 2 days ago (1 child)

    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?

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  • [–] 1 point 1 day 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.

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  • [–] 6 points 2 days ago* (4 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.

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  • [–] 7 points 2 days ago (1 child)

    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.

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  • [–] 3 points 1 day 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.

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