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.

    • macros@feddit.org
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      20
      ·
      10 hours ago

      Use them as such, why would you give your screen Internet? Attach a Mediacenter of your choice, e.g. Kodi.

      Update firmware over USB.

      • eru@mouse.chitanda.moe
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        11
        ·
        10 hours ago

        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…

      • mirshafie@europe.pub
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        7
        ·
        10 hours ago

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

        • merc@sh.itjust.works
          link
          fedilink
          English
          arrow-up
          1
          ·
          1 hour 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.

        • SystemDisc@feddit.org
          link
          fedilink
          English
          arrow-up
          5
          ·
          10 hours ago

          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

          • mirshafie@europe.pub
            link
            fedilink
            English
            arrow-up
            3
            ·
            8 hours ago

            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?

            • SystemDisc@feddit.org
              link
              fedilink
              English
              arrow-up
              1
              ·
              3 hours ago

              I agree. Don’t support what you don’t support. That being said, some people are ok with the trade-offs and that’s entirely up to them

    • FrostyPolicy@suppo.fi
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      4
      ·
      10 hours ago

      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.

      • TipRing@lemmy.world
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        6
        ·
        6 hours ago

        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.

        • merc@sh.itjust.works
          link
          fedilink
          English
          arrow-up
          2
          ·
          1 hour 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.

      • FG_3479@lemmy.world
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        2
        ·
        7 hours ago

        However their budget models (under $400) are very uncompetitive.

        TCL and Hisense are much better at those, and you can disable Wi-Fi then plug in your own box.