Samsung TVs Accused of Secretly Listening for Dog Barks and Baby Cries
A hacker claims to have found evidence that Samsung devices are constantly recording audio and sharing data with hundreds of third-party partners, even when users opt out.
An independent security researcher, identified only as @Log4j, alleges that Samsung smart TVs are equipped with an 'always-on hot mic functionality' that continuously records audio, according to reports. The researcher claims to have uncovered hidden security documents in a recent Samsung TV model that indicate the device listens for specific sounds like dog barks or baby cries to target advertisements.
These documents reportedly suggest that Samsung is sharing this collected data with over 400 third-party partners. @Log4j stated in posts on X that the level of effort in developing custom neural networks for tracking in-app behavior is an "extreme degree of dedication to gathering profiling data."
Samsung has previously acknowledged collecting user data for advertising purposes through automatic content recognition (ACR) technology. ACR typically records snippets of on-screen content or audio playback to build a profile of viewing and listening habits, which is then used internally or sold to advertisers.
However, @Log4j claims that the extent of this recording goes beyond what has been publicly disclosed. The researcher alleges that if a TV lacks a built-in microphone, it will attempt to use connected devices such as soundbars or Bluetooth speakers to record audio. Additionally, the hacked data reportedly shows the TV performing 'ARP probe scanning' every hour after the initial 20 minutes of operation, which can map all devices on a user's network, providing advertisers with insights into household occupancy and connected devices.
Concerns were also raised about the tracking of in-app behavior on third-party applications. According to the researcher, users' attempts to opt out of data sharing were allegedly ignored, with the TV still sending telemetry data to Google ad syndication networks, Amazon, and Samsung, despite explicit opt-out settings.
This situation follows previous revelations about smart TV privacy. Earlier this year, investigations into LG TVs suggested they were also covertly recording conversations, even when in standby mode or with the screen off, and uploading the data upon reconnection to the internet. Consumer watchdog groups have also warned that smart TVs and other internet-connected devices often contain significant tracking software.
In response to these alleged privacy breaches, @Log4j and other security researchers are reportedly developing a tool called 'Ironframe'. This tool aims to 'liberate' Samsung TVs from their telemetry habits by automatically deploying an exploit to disable problematic data collection. While the researchers claim the code does not contain proprietary intellectual property, installing such software could potentially void a device's warranty. Samsung has been contacted for comment.