LG Smart TVs are equipped with a range of features, including voice control, streaming services, and personalized content recommendations. However, concerns have been raised regarding the privacy and security of user data. While LG Smart TVs do not have built-in cameras, they have been reported to collect and transmit user information, such as viewing habits and voice data, even when users have opted out of data sharing. LG has addressed this issue by releasing a firmware update to prevent data transmission when the feature is disabled. It is recommended that users explore the privacy settings on their LG Smart TVs to limit data collection and enhance their privacy.
What You'll Learn
LG Smart TVs have built-in cameras for video calling
LG Smart TVs do not have built-in cameras for video calling. However, LG does offer a video call camera accessory, the LG AN-VC500, which is compatible with select 2013 and 2014 LG Smart TVs. This camera has a max resolution of 1920 x 1280 and features two built-in microphones.
While LG Smart TVs do not have built-in cameras, they do have other smart features. LG Smart TVs are the first to have Google Assistant, Alexa, and LG ThinQ AI fully built-in, allowing users to access the benefits of these voice assistant services without needing to purchase additional devices. The LG Magic Remote can also be used to manage entertainment and connected home devices with voice commands or mouse-like motions.
LG Smart TVs also feature the award-winning, easy-to-use platform, webOS, which provides personalized entertainment recommendations. Additionally, LG's AI televisions can offer the best picture and sound settings to complement the content being watched.
It is important to note that LG Smart TVs, like other smart TVs, do collect personal data and have been known to transmit information about users' viewing habits without their consent. Users can adjust their privacy settings to limit data collection on LG Smart TVs and other smart TV platforms.
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LG TVs can watch their owners and transmit data without consent
While the issue was discovered in 2013, it is unclear if this issue has been completely resolved. LG TVs continue to collect user data, and while users can opt out of some data collection, it is a tricky process. Additionally, LG TVs are equipped with microphones and cameras, which can be remotely activated, raising privacy concerns.
LG's smart TVs use the company's webOS platform, which has settings menus that change from year to year. On newer LG sets, users can access privacy settings by clicking on Settings, then scrolling down to All Settings, Support, and finally Privacy & Terms. Here, users can find user agreements and a "Do Not Sell My Personal Information" option. While activating this option limits third-party use of personal information, LG will still collect data for its services such as Live Plus and LG Channels.
LG TVs also have features such as Voice Information, which allows the TV to access and analyze voice commands. However, this information is also sent to various third parties. Similarly, the Interest-Based & Cross-Device Advertising Agreement allows LG to collect information from the TV for targeted ads, not only on the TV but also on other devices.
Another feature, LG Channels, is a free streaming service that includes advertising. While users can opt out of data sharing with third-party companies, these companies can still use the data for their own commercial purposes if the user consents to Cross-Device Advertising.
In conclusion, while LG has addressed the issue of unauthorized data collection, it is unclear if the problem has been fully resolved. LG TVs continue to collect user data, and while users have some control over their privacy settings, the process is not straightforward. The presence of microphones and cameras on LG TVs also raises concerns about remote activation and potential privacy invasions. It is important for users to be aware of the data collection practices of their smart TVs and to make informed decisions about their privacy settings.
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LG TVs collect personal data and have privacy settings
LG Smart TVs have been known to collect personal data from their users. In 2013, LG admitted that its smart TVs were logging their owners' viewing habits without their permission and transmitting the information back to the company, even if the user had specifically opted out of data sharing. LG has since released a statement saying that a firmware update would be rolled out to correct this problem.
All LG smart TVs use the company's webOS platform, and the settings menus change from year to year. On newer LG sets, you can access the privacy settings by clicking the Settings button on the remote control, scrolling down to All Settings, then Support, and finally Privacy & Terms. Here, you will find User Agreements, as well as an option called "Do Not Sell My Personal Information", which limits third parties from using your information. Under User Agreements, you will find LG's privacy policy, as well as the policies and controls for Viewing Information, Voice Information, Interest-Based Cross-Device Advertising, LG Channels, "Who. Where. What?", and Aspect Privacy Policy. These are all off by default during setup, and you can opt into them individually or turn them all on by clicking "Select All" at the bottom of the screen.
Until recently, you could disable LG's ACR (Automatic Content Recognition) by clicking on Viewing Information. ACR powers LG's Live Plus feature, which makes program recommendations based on what you watch and listen to on your TV. Opting out will enhance your privacy but may result in less targeted program recommendations. However, Aspect is also an ACR technology, and like the other options, it is off by default.
Voice Information, which lets the TV access and analyze voice commands, needs to be on if you want to use voice control. Activating it will also send that information to various third parties. To activate it, you must agree to LG's privacy policy and terms of use, as well as the Viewing Information agreement.
The Interest-Based & Cross-Device Advertising Agreement allows LG to collect information from your TV to generate targeted ads, not only on the TV but also on other devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
LG Channels is LG's free streaming service, which includes live channels, video-on-demand programming, and advertising. It is powered by Pluto TV and Xumo. To use LG Channels, you must agree to LG's privacy policy and terms of use, which allow those two companies to access your viewing and device information. If you click the "Do Not Sell My Information" option, it blocks these companies from selling your data to other companies. But if you consent to Cross-Device Advertising, they can still use the data for their own commercial purposes.
"Who. Where. What?" lets you get information about TV content, such as the name of a song or an actor and actress on a show you're watching. It also lets you shop for products on some programming. Agreeing to this allows LG's partner, TheTake, to access viewing data for this purpose.
Note: For sets from 2019 and earlier, press the Settings button on the remote, then scroll down to All Settings, and click General. From there, you can get to the user agreements and setting under About This TV.
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LG TVs have voice recognition and voice control
LG Smart TVs do not have built-in cameras, but they do have a compatible video call camera, the LG AN-VC500, which can be purchased separately. This camera has a max resolution of 1920 x 1280 and two built-in microphones.
Now, onto LG TVs' voice recognition and voice control capabilities. LG TVs have both voice recognition and voice control features. With voice recognition, you can perform various functions with verbal commands. This includes searching for content, posting and sharing comments on social media, and turning the TV on and off. To use voice recognition, you need to press and hold the button on the remote control while speaking your command. The TV will start processing your command when you release the button. It's important to note that the accuracy of voice recognition can vary depending on factors such as voice volume, pronunciation, and ambient noise.
To enable voice recognition on your LG TV, go to 'Settings', select 'All Settings', then 'General', 'AI Service', and finally, 'Voice Recognition Settings'. From here, you can turn on 'Voice Response' and set up the wake-up word for hands-free voice control.
Voice recognition is also used for voice control, which allows you to control certain functions of your LG TV using voice commands. For example, you can say "Hi LG" followed by "Turn on the TV" to turn on your television. Voice control can be particularly useful for functions such as changing the channel or volume, searching for specific content, or even posting on social media.
To ensure the best experience with voice control, make sure your TV is connected to the internet and that you have agreed to the terms and conditions of the voice recognition feature. Additionally, keep in mind that voice recognition may interpret your command differently if it is not properly recognized, so speak clearly and in a consistent tone.
In summary, while LG Smart TVs do not have built-in cameras, they offer advanced voice recognition and voice control capabilities that enhance the user experience and make navigating the TV's functions more convenient and intuitive.
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LG TVs have a range of smart audio devices
LG's OLED TVs offer stunning picture quality and are often cheaper than other brands. Their LED TVs, however, don't offer good value and have mediocre picture quality in dark rooms. LG's smart platform, webOS, is user-friendly and one of the best on the market. It has a wide selection of apps and voice control through the LG Magic Remote.
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Frequently asked questions
No, LG Smart TVs do not have built-in cameras. However, LG offers a video call camera, the LG AN-VC500, which is compatible with select 2013 and 2014 LG Smart TVs.
The LG AN-VC500 is a video call camera designed for select LG Smart TVs. It features a max resolution of 1920 x 1280 and has two built-in microphones.
The LG AN-VC500 camera is compatible with various LG Smart TV models from 2013 and 2014, including UHD, OLED, LED LCD, and Plasma models.
To set up the LG AN-VC500 camera, ensure your TV is compatible, then connect the camera to your TV using the provided cables. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup process.
Yes, if you have a compatible LG Smart TV and the LG AN-VC500 camera, you can make video calls using various video calling applications available on the LG Content Store.