Asianet NewsableAsianet Newsable

Is Facebook secretly recording you?

  • A radio station made calls to people who shared that when they discussed certain things with their friends, Facebook showed similar advertises.
  • Reply All presenter PJ Vogt raised the issue during a recent podcast.
  • This compelled Facebook advertising V.P. Rob Goldman to respond on Twitter.
Is Facebook secretly recording you
Author
First Published Oct 30, 2017, 6:07 PM IST

We have been hearing whispers about how Facebook and even Google could be secretly spying on you. And, looks like, there are some more.

Facebook had last written a blogpost to explain that though it does listen to audio and collect information from users, they aren't combined and the sounds from people aren't used for advertising, and now has once again defended the claim.

A radio station made calls to people who shared that when they discussed certain things with their friends, Facebook showed similar advertises.

Reply All presenter PJ Vogt raised the issue during a recent podcast. This compelled Facebook advertising V.P. Rob Goldman to respond on Twitter clarifying that it does not secretly hijack computer and mobile device mics to access recorded conversations.

Facebook had written a  explaining, "We only access your microphone if you have given our app permission and if you are actively using a specific feature that requires audio. This might include recording a video or using an optional feature we introduced two years ago to include music or other audio in your status updates."

So, Facebook has access to your microphone as 'you' give it the permission to listen when using features such as like capturing video. So, it's time you head to the settings and disable microphone (for iOS) , and enable it only when required. Similarly, Android users can head to App permissions and slide off the microphone option.

report by The Sun claimed that Google has turned your Android phones in to spying devices. The investigation had revealed that Google's Assistant listens to you every time you say 'Ok Google'. However, it sometimes is activated just by listening to the word 'Ok' (one of the most common words used everyday) and the digital assistant records 20 seconds of audio each time. 

What if you find out someone has been listening to all your conversations? Creepy, isn't it? In the past, we've discussed how the new-age problems include the length at which Internet companies could go to target advertisements. A new report adds that Google could be recording your conversations even without your knowledge.

If the report by The Sun is to be believed then Google has turned your Android phones in to spying devices. The investigation has revealed that Google's Assistant listens to you every time you say 'Ok Google'. However, it sometimes is activated just by listening to the word 'Ok' (one of the most common words used everyday) and the digital assistant records 20 seconds of audio each time. It then uploads these files on cloud and easily accessible from anywhere in the world. How to check if .

Follow Us:
Download App:
  • android
  • ios