I've heard people say this quite a bit but at least with my LG C1 (which I use as a monitor) that doesn't seem to be the case. I connected it to the wifi once to download a firmware update, then deleted the password. It's never complained or attempted to connect, or shown me any kind of advertising.
I also have a TCL tv (didn't buy this one, it was provided by my landlord). It is connected to wifi - it was already connected when I moved in. I use it once a week or so to play Netflix through my laptop. I've never seen adverts on it so I haven't disconnected it.
I have seen people mention that it might depend on the region. But I'm in Vietnam where I don't think there's any amazing level of consumer protection around advertising.
I had a Samsung TV for work related testing that never got connected to the network and it would hang for annoyingly long times whenever you connected an input source because it didn't have a fresh database of signatures to spy on you with.
I also have a TCL tv (didn't buy this one, it was provided by my landlord). It is connected to wifi - it was already connected when I moved in. I use it once a week or so to play Netflix through my laptop. I've never seen adverts on it so I haven't disconnected it.
I have seen people mention that it might depend on the region. But I'm in Vietnam where I don't think there's any amazing level of consumer protection around advertising.