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Title: LG Responds to TV Spying Allegations

Link: https://yro.slashdot.org/story/26/09/12/16522...

LG is pushing back against reports that its smart TVs are "spying" on users,
saying wake-word detection happens locally and that features such as
Automatic Content Recognition, voice recognition, and interest-based ads are
optional. But critics note that researchers found TVs keeping logs of ambient
conversations, and LG's response "did not address broader concerns about how
much data it collects, who it shares it with, the potential for bad actors to
exploit its features, or the misleading way in which its privacy options are
presented," reports The Verge. Here's an excerpt from LG's statement: Some
recent media coverage may have contributed to misconceptions about how LG
smart TVs work. As an industry leader, LG believes we have a responsibility
to provide customers with clear and accurate information about how our smart
TVs operate and the privacy controls available to them. We would like to
clarify how our smart TVs operate and explain our approach to user privacy.
LG smart TVs do not continuously record or transmit users' conversations.
Speech-to-text processing begins only if a user activates a voice interaction
through a supported wake-word feature or by pressing the voice (or AI) button
on the remote control. Audio used for wake-word detection is processed
locally on the TV and, if no wake word is detected, audio is not converted to
text, stored, or transmitted. Voice-recognition results and related technical
logs may be generated as part of processing a voice command. These records
are associated with specific voice interactions and do not indicate
continuous recording of conversations occurring outside an active voice
recognition session. Speech-recognition results may be used to support voice-
related features but are not uploaded later when the TV is offline or when
connectivity is restored. Features such as Automatic Content Recognition
(ACR), voice recognition, and interest-based advertising are optional. These
features are not enabled by default. Users can choose to enable these
features and can manage or withdraw consent through TV settings. ACR uses
audio fingerprinting technology using the TV's internal audio processor (not
a speaker) to identify content and does not collect screenshots, screen
recordings, video recordings, voice recordings, or other audio recordings
from the TV. Where ACR is available and enabled, ACR-related information may
be used for audience segmentation and viewing or audience trend analysis.
Interest-based advertising and cross-device advertising require separate user
consent through the applicable advertising-related agreements. Protecting
user privacy is a fundamental principle in the design and operation of LG
products and services. The statement goes on to "provide additional details
on how LG smart TV features work, how information may be processed, what
choices users have, and how LG continues to strengthen privacy, transparency,
and security."

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

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