LG says it will allow users to remove the Microsoft Copilot shortcut that was later installed on newer TVs several reports highlighted unremovable icon. In a statement to EdgeLG spokesman Chris De Maria says the company “respects consumer choice and will take steps to allow users to remove the shortcut icon if they wish.”
Last week, a user on r/mildlyinfuriating subreddit published an image of the Microsoft Copilot icon in their app lineup on an LG TV without the option to remove it. “A new software update to my LG TV installed Microsoft Copilot software which cannot be removed,” the post reads. The post has garnered over 36,000 upvotes as people become increasingly frustrated with artificial intelligence appearing almost everywhere.
De Maria adds that the icon is a “shortcut” to the Microsoft Copilot web app that opens in the TV’s web browser, rather than an “app-based service built into the TV.” It also adds that “features such as microphone input are only activated with the express consent of the customer.”
When asked when LG would start allowing users to remove the Copilot icon, De Maria said there was no “deadline” yet.
Here is LG’s full statement:
Following recent news about Microsoft Copilot appearing on LG TVs, we are reaching out to you with vital clarifications. Based on the recent news regarding the arrival of Microsoft Copilot on LG TVs, we would like to clarify that Microsoft Copilot is provided as a shortcut icon to improve accessibility and customer convenience. This is not an app-based service built into the TV. When the user selects the Copilot shortcut, the TV’s web browser will open the Microsoft website and features such as microphone input will only be activated with the customer’s explicit consent.
Update, December 18: Added more information from LG.