Security Review Finds LG Smart TVs May Scan Local Network Even When Powered Off

A video that appears to show an LG television searching a home network for nearby smartphones and other devices has sparked a fresh wave of scrutiny over the privacy practices of smart TV manufacturers. The clip, which quickly circulated on social media, depicts the TV’s on‑screen interface displaying a list of connected devices while the set appears to be in standby mode, prompting questions about whether the hardware is continuing to monitor the local area network after the user has turned the screen off.

In response, technology‑focused YouTube channels Gamers Nexus and Level1Techs teamed up with independent security researchers to conduct a hands‑on analysis of several LG models. Their joint investigation involved placing the televisions on a controlled network, monitoring outbound traffic, and inspecting firmware to determine whether the devices were actively scanning for other endpoints when ostensibly idle.

The researchers reported that the TVs do indeed initiate periodic network discovery packets, such as ARP and mDNS queries, even when the display is off. These packets are designed to locate other devices that support certain protocols, which can be used to enable features like screen‑mirroring, remote control via smartphones, or automatic content recommendation. The activity appears to be part of LG’s broader “SmartThinQ” ecosystem, which aims to integrate the television with other Internet‑of‑Things (IoT) products in the home.

Privacy advocates note that while network discovery is a common function for many connected devices, the fact that it occurs while the TV is ostensibly off raises concerns about user consent and data minimization. If the TV logs information about nearby devices, that data could potentially be used for targeted advertising or shared with third‑party services, a practice that would be subject to regulations such as the GDPR in Europe and various state privacy laws in the United States.

LG has not yet issued a formal statement specifically addressing the video, but the company’s public documentation indicates that users can disable “Device Detection” and related features through the settings menu. The researchers recommend that consumers who are uneasy about background scanning either adjust those settings or disconnect the TV from the network when not in use. The episode underscores a growing trend of scrutiny over smart‑home hardware, and it is likely that further testing and possible regulatory review will follow as more data about such behavior emerges.