Stop your Smartphones from listening.

Have you had a dinner with family and friends to discuss a holiday, or discussed going to Ibiza, to party? Minutes later, Facebook ads or other websites or applications appear that are relevant to your conversation.

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 collect data on your behaviour constantly, mainly for marketing and commercial reasons. 

When vehicles are equipped with smart devices and sensors, they can build profiles of both the driver and the passengers. Maps are created that show the driver’s routes, and how often they visit 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. 

Advertisers pay more for targeted ads when they know the type of music that a person prefers, or listen to conversations in order to create a complete profile. Coca-Cola pays more for loyal customers than those who don’t drink the soda. It’s just a matter of simple math.

Smart refrigerators can learn about their owners and then sell them or the apps that are linked to those appliances to advertisers. They will then show you ads tailored to your interests.

We could explain all the smart devices and appliances that are listening to and watching everything you say or do. Even if you don’t have a smart device, your friends may be listening in.

Your data is as valuable as oil

The Economist published its 2017 Annual Report. pointed out The World Economic Forum released a report in 2019 stating that data is the oil of the digital world. World Economic Forum published a report in 2019 stating that data is the oil for the digital world. Forbes also said in 2019 that data was the new oil. This is a good thing when used to research and develop for the benefit of humanity and not for tech giants’ personal gain.

CNN began eight years ago. said“Your car’s (which are really your data) data may be more valuable in the future than the vehicle itself.” CNN reported eight years later that the car’s data (which is really information about you) may soon be more valuable than the vehicle itself. wrote“Your car’s maker has more data about you than you realize.”

In 2018, Francois Fleutiaux, CEO at Btob Telco, saidModern cars generate about 25 gigabytes every hour. Autonomous cars will generate even more – up to 3,600 gigabytes of data per hour.”

This means that vehicles can collect data about how you drive. They can also gather information on how you brake and how much pressure you put on the gas pedal.

Gus Hosein is the executive director of Privacy International. told National Geographic says, “If police wanted to know the contents of your mind in 1800, they’d have to torture it.” “Now they can find out what’s in your head from your device.”

An exclusive report by 404 Media revealed how Cox Media Group has partnered up with Facebook, Google and Amazon to process voice data collected from smart TVs, smartphones, Alexa and Google Home, as well as other similar devices, to use AI and identify “ready to buy” audiences and target them with ads to vastly increase their advertising ROI.

Apps and devices that listen to you are not allowed. Norton Security:

• Disable Voice Assistants:
• • • For Siri (iPhone): Go to Settings > Siri & Search. Toggle off “Listen for ‘Hey Siri'” and “Press Side Button for Siri.” Turn off Siri by tapping “Turn Off Siri”.

• • • • Search for “Microphone” in Settings and turn off Assistant.
      • Android: Go to Settings > Google > All Services > Settings for Google Apps > Search, Assistant & Voice > Google Assistant > Hey Google & Voice Match. Turn off “Hey Google.”

• Revoke the Microphone permissions for apps:

• • • iPhone: Open Settings, choose the app (e.g. Snapchat), and turn “Microphone” off.
    • Android: Go to Settings > Apps, select the app, tap Permissions, and disable “Microphone.” Attention: Certain apps (e.g. camera for video) require microphone access in order to function.

• • • Use a phone case or tape to cover the microphone and block audio. Remove the cover prior to recording or making a call in order to avoid muffled sounds.

• Additional Privacy Measures

• • Use security software: Install tools such as Norton 360 for Mobile in order to detect malware which could secretly record conversations.
  • Use a virtual private network (VPN): A VPN, such as the built-in Norton 360 VPN, encrypts your internet traffic and reduces data tracking.
  • Limit App Permissions. Only download apps through official stores (e.g. App Store, Google Play), and check permissions before installing. If possible, avoid granting microphone access.
  • Regular Updates – Keep your phone operating system up to date. Vulnerabilities that could allow for unauthorised listening

Share this key advice: Tell others that their phones are listening for convenience (e.g. voice). They can protect themselves by disabling voice assistants, limiting app access to microphones and using physical covers. To prevent the misuse of microphone data, always check the app permissions. Avoid downloading shady apps and make sure to read their terms.