LG Electronics has strengthened privacy controls across its Smart TV ecosystem as voice-enabled technology, artificial intelligence and connected devices become more common in Nigerian homes. The company said features that collect or process user information require consumers to give consent before activation.
LG said users can review permissions, adjust privacy settings or withdraw consent through their television settings, while optional features can be disabled without affecting core functions such as live television, streaming, external device connections and software updates. Voice recognition, it added, is disabled by default on its Smart TVs.
For models with hands-free voice control, LG said the television listens locally for a specific wake word when the feature is activated. Audio that does not contain the wake word is processed on the device and immediately discarded without being stored or transmitted, while voice recognition ends automatically after a command is completed.
The company also clarified that its Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) technology is optional and requires separate approval. LG said ACR uses audio fingerprinting to identify supported content rather than collecting screenshots, screen recordings, video captures or voice recordings, while personalised advertising is also subject to separate consent.
LG said its Smart TVs can identify compatible devices such as gaming consoles, decoders and streaming equipment through device discovery technology, but information collected for connectivity is not used for household profiling or targeted advertising without additional consent. The company added that cybersecurity measures include a global bug bounty programme and security updates for eligible models for up to five years from the release of the applicable webOS platform version.
As Smart TVs increasingly function as connected entertainment hubs, LG said transparency and user control would remain central to its approach. The company said consumers should be able to use connected and personalised features while deciding which optional services are activated and how their information is handled.