LG says smart TV voice, viewing data features need consent as Nigerian homes go connected

LG Electronics says data-driven features on its smart televisions, including voice recognition, Automatic Content Recognition and personalised recommendations, are optional and only activate after a user opts in. The company outlined how its TV platform handles viewing data, voice commands and device connectivity as more Nigerian households move to smart TVs and connected entertainment devices.

LG said users can review permissions, change settings or withdraw consent through their television settings. Disabling the optional features does not stop basic functions such as watching television, accessing streaming services, connecting external devices or receiving software updates.

Voice control is off by default

LG said voice control is disabled by default and must be activated by the user. On supported models, voice commands start through the microphone button on the remote control or through an enabled hands-free function.

The company said its Smart TVs do not continuously record household conversations. When hands-free voice control is on, the television listens locally for a designated wake word. Audio that does not trigger the feature is discarded rather than stored or transmitted, LG said, and the voice-recognition session ends once a command is processed.

ACR, ads and device discovery

LG's Automatic Content Recognition technology can identify content being watched from supported sources and use that information for content discovery and audience insights. The company said ACR is switched off by default and requires separate consent. It relies on audio fingerprinting and does not collect screenshots, screen recordings, video captures or voice recordings, according to LG.

Personalised advertising also needs separate approval from the user.

The televisions can detect compatible devices, including gaming consoles, set-top boxes, DVD players and some Internet of Things products, to simplify connections. LG said information collected for device discovery supports connectivity and is not used for household profiling or targeted advertising without additional consent.

Security updates and bug bounty

On cybersecurity, LG said it runs a global bug bounty programme through which independent researchers can report potential vulnerabilities. The company advises users to keep television software updated, and said eligible models can receive security updates for up to five years from the initial release of the applicable webOS platform version.

The disclosures come as connected televisions combine traditional viewing with streaming, gaming, voice controls and smart-home functions, raising questions about what data leaves the home.

Separately, Samsung has announced plans to remove a number of smart TV apps after cybersecurity research found some could secretly share users' internet connections with strangers. The move follows findings by Norwegian cybersecurity firm Mnemonic, which discovered that several apps on Samsung's Smart TV platform contained software capable of turning users' internet connections into so-called residential proxy networks.

For Nigerian buyers, the practical takeaway is to check default settings before connecting a new television. Consent menus decide whether viewing habits feed recommendation engines and advertising, and software updates remain the main defence against known flaws.