How Advertisers Are Listening To Your Conversations Via Microphones in Smartphones, And Other Devices.

The ongoing debate around data privacy and consumer suspicions regarding how big tech handles and potentially listens to conversations on our devices is a significant concern. Users are increasingly worried about the level of access and surveillance their devices might have, leading to questions about the protection of their private conversations.

This concern has sparked a broader conversation about the ethical implications of data collection, especially through devices with built-in microphones, such as smartphones, smart TVs, and voice-activated assistants. Consumers are seeking more transparency and control over how their data is collected, stored, and used by tech companies.

The issue of data privacy and the alleged practice of big tech companies listening to and collecting data for targeted ads has been a long-standing concern. Despite vehement denials from major tech companies, users remain skeptical about the extent to which their conversations are monitored and data is collected for advertising purposes. This skepticism has fueled ongoing debates and discussions surrounding the ethical use of personal data and the need for more stringent privacy regulations.

Now one company — Atlanta-based Cox Media Group — has openly acknowledged the practice of listening to devices. CMG has highlighted its capability to identify “relevant conversations via smartphones, smart TVs, and other devices” using artificial intelligence (AI) to enable local businesses to tailor ads to specific individuals.

A page on the CMG Local Solutions site, titled “It’s True. Your Devices Are Listening to You,” previously accessible, emphasized the use of Active Listening. This feature allows CMG to utilize voice data to precisely target advertising to specific individuals, aligning the ads with the interests or discussions of the target audience.

Why is my phone or devices listening to me?

The disclosure above may not be surprising to users who utilize virtual assistance features on their smartphones, as they often grant permissions for such purposes, albeit unknowingly via long permission grants they did not bother to read thoroughly. The acknowledgment of your phone or device listening by big tech companies typically comes with the assertion that they are collecting data to enhance user experience. While this may be accurate, it’s essential to recognize that your data is also being synthesized for the purpose of targeted advertising.

Should you be concerned about your devices listening to you?

The short and simple answer is no, but it’s crucial to acknowledge significant nuances that cannot be entirely dismissed, especially for those who are cautious internet users. Your phone listening to you is comparable to how search engines track our activities to ensure we receive the most relevant results, and ads often accompany this process. You might even appreciate the personalized ads that result from it. Of course, if you’re uncomfortable with your data being collected—after all, it’s your data—there are some ways to prevent your devices from listening.

How to stop your phone from listening to you?

Just as you might cover your webcam, you can also cover your microphone with a piece of tape or purchase a special phone case to stop your phone from listening to you. But a more surefire approach is to review the microphone permissions granted across applications and to disable virtual assistants.

To turn off the microphone on your iPhone and Android device, follow these steps:

iPhone:

1. Open Settings:
   • Go to the “Settings” app on your iPhone.
2. Privacy Settings:
   • Scroll down and tap on “Privacy.”
3. Microphone Settings:
   • Select “Microphone” from the list of options.
4. Toggle Off:
   • You’ll see a list of apps that have requested access to the microphone. Toggle off the switch for the apps you want to disable the microphone for.

Android:

1. Open Settings:
   • Navigate to the “Settings” app on your Android device.
2. Apps & Notifications:
   • Depending on your Android version, you might find “Apps” or “Apps & Notifications.” Tap on it.
3. App Permissions:
   • Look for “App Permissions” or a similar option.
4. Microphone Settings:
   • Find and select “Microphone” from the list of permissions.
5. Toggle Off:
   • You’ll see a list of apps with microphone access. Toggle off the switch for the apps you want to disable the microphone for.