A security researcher says 2025 Samsung smart TVs may be listening to what happens inside your home. After rooting his own TV and studying its Tizen operating system code, he reported an always-on microphone function, sound events logged and sent to Samsung’s servers, and even scans for microphones on connected devices. Samsung says its ACR feature is optional and can be switched off. Here is what the claims actually say, what they do not prove, and how you can protect your privacy.
What the Researcher Claims to Have Found
A security researcher who posts as log4j on X rooted his own 2025 Samsung TV and examined its Tizen OS code. He reported:
- A microphone function that is always listening.
- Sound events logged under an event called EV201/SOUNDSENSOR_ON, including counts of a dog barking and a baby crying, sent as telemetry to Samsung’s servers.
- TVs without a built-in microphone may scan for microphones on connected devices, such as soundbars or Bluetooth speakers.
- Tracking of activity inside apps, including YouTube, such as ads a user skips.
- An ACR off button that may not fully stop data collection.
What These Findings Do Not Prove
It is important to be clear: these findings do not establish that Samsung secretly records private conversations. They point to sound detection and event logging, which is not the same as recording what people say.
A separate tester, Hugging Face engineer Xuan-Son Nguyen, observed the microphone active for about five seconds and then off for hours. He called his own test inconclusive because his TV was already rooted, which can change how the software behaves.
Samsung’s Response
Samsung responded in a statement on 29 October 2026. The company said its Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) feature is optional, that users must choose to activate it, and that it can be disabled at any time. Samsung added that disabling ACR prevents viewing information from being collected through ACR.
That statement addresses ACR, but it does not fully explain the separate claims about sound detection and the use of microphones on connected devices.
Samsung’s 2025 Vision AI TVs also have advertised Pet Care and Family Care features. These detect dog barking and baby crying and send alerts through the SmartThings app. Family Care was reportedly being discontinued because of limited usage and repeated false detections.
Similar Questions About LG TVs
Samsung is not the only TV maker facing such questions. In September, a Gamers Nexus investigation raised similar questions about LG smart TVs.
How to Protect Your Privacy
If these claims concern you, there are a few steps you can take:
- Disconnect the TV from the internet if you do not use its smart features.
- Turn off Viewing Information Services, Internet-based Advertising, and Voice Recognition in the privacy settings. The exact names vary by model.
FAQs
Is Samsung recording my private conversations?
That has not been proven. The researcher’s findings do not establish that Samsung secretly records private conversations.
What is ACR?
ACR stands for Automatic Content Recognition. Samsung says it is optional, that users must choose to activate it, and that it can be disabled at any time.
How do I reduce tracking on my Samsung TV?
You can disconnect the TV from the internet and turn off Viewing Information Services, Internet-based Advertising, and Voice Recognition in the privacy settings. Menu names vary by model.
Do all Samsung TVs have a built-in microphone?
Not all models have one. The researcher claims that TVs without a built-in microphone may scan for microphones on connected devices, such as soundbars or Bluetooth speakers.
Conclusion
The researcher’s claims raise serious questions about what 2025 Samsung TVs can hear and what data leaves the home. At the same time, the evidence does not prove that Samsung records private conversations, and Samsung says ACR is optional and can be disabled. Until the company answers the remaining questions about sound detection and external microphones, checking your privacy settings is a sensible step for any Samsung TV owner.
