Smartphones Are Listening to You, Here Is How to Stop Them

Have you ever just had a family dinner conversation over a group holiday or spoken with friends about going to Ibiza to party, and minutes later, relevant ads appear on Facebook or other applications or websites?

More than likely you answered yes, and that’s simply because all smart devices are permanently listening in on everything you say and keep track of everything you do. They are constantly gathering behavioural data, mostly for commercial and marketing purposes.

In the case of vehicles with built-in smart devices, including sensors, they build complete profiles of the drivers and their passengers. They map their routes and the frequency of visits to different locations. For example, they know if the driver is a frequent bar or restaurant patron, or a supermarket shopper, a casino habitué, or church goer.

They also know what kind of music they prefer, and listen in on conversations to build complete profiles and bombard them with targeted ads, which are paid more handsomely by advertisers. Coca-Cola, for instance, will pay more for a list of loyal drinkers than for those who are not. It’s simple math.

Smart refrigerators learn their owners’ habits, and manufacturers of those devices or the applications linked to these domestic appliances make a profit by selling them to advertisers who then target you with ads relevant to you.

We could go on explaining how all smart devices, vehicles and appliances are keeping an eye and ear on everything you say and do. And even if you do not have smart devices yourself, remember your friend’s devices are listening to you too.

In 2017, The Economist pointed out that data was the most valuable commodity, beyond oil. The World Economic Forum released a report in 2019, saying data is the oil of the digital world. Also in 2019, Forbes said data is the new oil, and that’s a good thing, and it is when it’s being used for research and development for the good of humanity, and not to get richer as the tech giants are doing.

Eight years ago, CNN said, “Your car’s data (which is really data about you) may soon be more valuable than the car itself.” And eight years later, CNN wrote, “your car’s manufacturer has more of your data than you think.”

In 2018, Francois Fleutiaux, CEO at Btob Telco, said, “Modern vehicles generate around 25 gigabytes of data every hour! Autonomous cars will generate even more – up to 3,600 gigabytes of data per hour.”

That means vehicles collect data on how you drive, how hard you brake, how heavy your foot is on the gas pedal, how fast you turn corners, and even what you eat, drink, and more.

“Our smartphones, our Internet searches, and our social media accounts are giving away our secrets,” Gus Hosein, the executive director of Privacy International, told National Geographic, “If the police wanted to know what was in your head in the 1800s, they would have to torture you. Now they can just find it out from your devices.”

A 404 Media exclusive report exposed how Cox Media Group (CMG) has partnered with Facebook, Google, Amazon, and Bing to process the voice data they collect from smartphones, smart TVs, Alexa, and Google Home and other similar devices and use AI to identify “ready-to-buy” audiences, and hit them with ads that will vastly enhance their advertising ROI (Return on Investment).

For Siri (iPhone): Go to Settings > Siri & Search. Toggle off “Listen for ‘Hey Siri’” and “Press Side Button for Siri.” Tap “Turn Off Siri” in the pop-up.

Android: Go to Settings > Google > All Services > Settings for Google Apps > Search, Assistant & Voice > Google Assistant > Hey Google & Voice Match. Toggle off “Hey Google.”

iPhone: Go to Settings, select the app (e.g., Snapchat), and toggle off “Microphone.”

Android: Go to Settings > Apps, select the app, tap Permissions, and disable “Microphone.” Note: Some apps (e.g., camera for video) need microphone access to function, so review carefully.

Cover the microphone with tape or use a specialised phone case to block audio pickup. Remove the cover before recording or calling to avoid muffled sound. Additional Privacy Measures:

Use Security Software: Install tools like Norton 360 for Mobile to detect malware that might secretly record conversations.

Use a VPN: A VPN (e.g., Norton 360’s built-in VPN) encrypts internet traffic, reducing data tracking by advertisers.

Limit App Permissions: Only download apps from official stores (e.g., App Store, Google Play) and review permissions during installation. Avoid granting microphone access unless necessary.

Regular Updates: Keep your phone’s operating system updated to patch vulnerabilities that could allow unauthorised listening.

Key Advice for Sharing: Tell people their phones listen for convenience (e.g., voice assistants), but they can protect their privacy by turning off voice assistants, restricting app microphone access, and using physical covers. Always check app permissions and avoid shady downloads to prevent misuse of microphone data.

I asked my wife why she was whispering? She said, “because she didn’t want Mark Zuckerberg to hear what she was saying.” I started to laugh, and then so did she. Then Siri started laughing followed by Alexa. Even the Tesla in the driveway started laughing.

I am browsing the internet and see ads and or suggestions of videos on my TV> Roku device watching Youtube which is owned by Google. I am not signed into Google yet Youtube is showing suggestions on another device what they have seen me browsing.

I have a LG tv that is 10 years old and has no camera or microphone. I do not have a internet cable plugged direct into the tv. I do have a Roku box plugged into it with a hdmi cable and the Roku box has a cat5 cable that leads to my cable tv router for the internet.

Talking on my android phone I will see a minute later ads on the tv> roku> youtube for something I said or the other person said during our conversation.

Your new cars are tracking you. The security cameras are as well up and down the streets. The police can access any and the tow trucks have license plate readers and can help the police find the stolen car. Or just follow you around. There are stories of police tracking a fellow woman officer and when she found out she won a big settlement.

This is wiretapping and big brother and needs to be stopped.

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.