LOL!
We’ve known this for years ... especially with specific ads showing up related to particular items we’d recently discussed. NOT searched for, but DISCUSSED.
“People just rolled their eyes when I told them this was technologically-feasible - perhaps even with the battery out
Very few believed me.”
Problem is they never learn. After being proven wrong over and over and over they still have a perpetual mental block and absolutely refuse to be objective.
I know the feeling. People thought I was a nut too when I told them a computerized voting system is very susceptible to fraud.
Common sense. Many of us believed that the Patriot Act would only be used against Islamic terrorists. But we have learned that it was and is being used against Americans. Likely against law abiding Americans.
The tech is always capable of doing something. If it has a camera and microphone on it then it can be used to watch and listen... if people and entities really want to and are not restrained in any way. And there appear to be no restraints and restrictions.
Just assume that if they are capable then they are watching you and listening to you.