1. United States
2. N.Y.
3. Letter

I'm writing about something that came to my attention recently, and frankly it's been hard to stop thinking about — in part because I own one of the TVs involved. In August 2026, the tech review channel Gamers Nexus, working with independent security researchers, published forensic testing showing that LG smart televisions sold at retail were doing far more than displaying a picture. Using network packet captures, they documented the TVs silently sweeping home Wi-Fi networks, identifying every connected device — phones, watches, computers — and logging room audio through the built-in microphone while the screen appeared to be off. Even more disturbing: when the researchers disconnected the TV from the internet, it kept recording voice input locally and uploaded everything the moment the connection was restored. All of this data feeds LG's advertising division, which claims visibility into 363 million devices across American homes. That's my living room they're describing. The TV I saved up for is now, as far as I can tell, an undisclosed microphone and network scanner sitting in my home. None of this happened with meaningful consent. Because these devices cross state lines and the data flows to national ad platforms, this is squarely a federal issue. I'm asking you to draft and support federal legislation banning this type of surveillance — specifically: undisclosed microphone capture outside active voice-assistant sessions, scanning and fingerprinting of other devices on a consumer's home network without opt-in, and continuous behavioral profiling tied to the sale of a display. The bill should require collection to cease by default in standby, mandate clear affirmative consent for each category of data, and give the FTC real enforcement power and penalties that matter to manufacturers. Please take this up this session. My TV — and millions like it — is listening.