LG TVs and monitors listen to all your conversations to train AI

LG has faced a wave of criticism after updating the user agreement for its TVs and gaming monitors. The controversy was sparked by a new policy requiring owners of devices that use AI-powered voice control features to personally warn family members and guests that their voices may be recorded and processed.

The relevant clause appeared in the terms of use for LG services. It states that users must obtain the necessary consent from third parties and notify everyone whose voice may be recorded by the device. The wording is linked to compliance with privacy and wiretapping laws, but it was this very clause that provoked a strong reaction among users.

Particular concern was caused by the fact that voice data processing is used to operate AI functions and may also be used to further improve them. Disabling the voice assistant prevents the device from listening through its microphone, but it also deprives owners of voice input and some smart features. In addition, refusing to install new updates means missing out on future security fixes, which in itself creates additional risks.

User dissatisfaction was further intensified by another incident. Owners of LG gaming monitors reported that after connecting the devices to Windows computers, the proprietary LG Monitor App Installer software was automatically installed, and in some cases — McAfee Scam Detector as well. Many considered such installation without explicit consent unacceptable, further fuelling suspicions about the company’s data-collection policies.

On social media and forums, users are widely criticising the new rules, calling them an attempt to shift responsibility for potential privacy violations onto device owners. Some have already said they plan to disconnect their TVs from the internet entirely or stop using the built-in AI features.

At the time of publication, LG had not officially commented on the complaints. Nevertheless, the story has once again drawn attention to the question of how far manufacturers of «smart» electronics can go in collecting user data for the development of artificial intelligence.