October 26, 2026, 2:35 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
A security researcher accuses Samsung of collecting significantly more information about users and their environment with its smart TVs than previously known. Particularly alarming: Even TVs without built-in microphones can, under certain circumstances, access microphones of connected devices.
A security researcher, who publishes on the platform “X” under the name log4j, claims to have thoroughly examined a Samsung TV from the 2025 model year. The trigger was unusually accurate ad placements that caught his attention while using the device. He then published his findings on his X profile.
What the TV Could Know
During his investigation, the expert claims to have found various information that the TV collects about its surroundings. This reportedly includes how often a dog barks or a baby cries in a household. These events are counted and transmitted to the manufacturer’s servers.
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Additionally, the TV is said to collect information about the room’s brightness and the use of a connected camera. The data is then stored in the cloud. However, the investigation does not provide evidence that entire conversations or audio recordings are transmitted.
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Soundbar Instead of Microphone?
Particularly interesting are the claims regarding external audio devices. According to log4j, Samsung TVs search for available microphones even if they do not have their own. Possible sources mentioned by the researcher include paired soundbars or Bluetooth speakers. Whether the devices actually capture and process audio information remains unclear. Log4j also emphasizes that his findings do not prove that Samsung records conversations or analyzes voice content.
Samsung Already Uses the Technology for AI Functions
Samsung does not hide the noise recognition feature. The manufacturer promotes its current Vision AI TVs with functions like “Pet Care” and “Family Care.” The devices use artificial intelligence to recognize when a dog barks or a baby cries and then send a notification to the SmartThings app.
The researcher mainly criticizes the company’s communication. In his view, Samsung does not clearly explain which usage data the TVs collect, count, and possibly transmit to company servers. Samsung has not yet responded to his allegations. The evaluation of the discovered data is still ongoing but could further fuel the discussion about data privacy in smart TVs.