Smartphones don't listen to our conversations; instead, advertisements are shown based on the user's search history, location, and browsing data. The claims in the viral video haven't been technically proven; it's essential to stay informed.
Grok AI: Have you ever noticed that you discussed a product, place, or service with a friend, and shortly after, advertisements related to the same topic appeared on your phone? If yes, you're not alone. This experience happens to millions of smartphone users, leading to a common question — do our phones listen to our conversations and show us advertisements?
A recently viral video on the internet has brought this question back into discussion. But do smartphones actually listen to users' conversations?
Viral Video Raises Doubts
Recently, a video went viral on the internet in which a police officer, Sandeep Yadav, advises people to 'turn off the internet while talking on phone calls because some apps can listen to your conversations during the calls.' This video was viewed millions of times, creating fear in many users' minds that their smartphones could be used against them secretly.
AI Chatbot Grok's Response: 'Phones don't listen, data does'
In response to the viral video, a user asked the AI chatbot Grok if smartphones listen to conversations and show advertisements to users.
The answer Grok gave was very interesting. According to it, today's smartphones and apps generally don't record users' conversations to show advertisements. Instead, these advertisements are targeted based on the user's:
- Search history
- Location data
- Browsing patterns
- App usage behavior
AI algorithms understand these data points and estimate what kind of advertisements the user might like.
Apple and Google also denied it
Grok also added that tech giants like Apple and Google have already denied that they use 'Active Listening', i.e., the process of actively listening to users' conversations.
Apple says that its voice assistant Siri is activated only when 'Hey Siri' is said, and the same process applies with Google Assistant. Despite this, users are advised to check their smartphone's microphone permission settings from time to time.
Apteco Research: User habits are definitely observed
Recently, Apteco, a UK-based data analytics company, conducted a study on this topic. The research revealed that many popular apps track users' every digital activity and create a profile of them.
This profile includes points like the user's searching habits, app usage, websites visited, location history, and social media interactions. Based on this information, companies start showing you what you might like. However, this study found no concrete evidence of conversation listening.
Then why does it seem like the phone is listening to us?
There can be several reasons behind this illusion:
- Co-incidence or coincidence: When we discuss something, and an advertisement of the same thing appears shortly after, we feel that it is not a coincidence but surveillance.
- The power of data algorithms: Today's advertising algorithms have become so advanced that they can guess our interests just by looking at a few activities.
- The effect of previous searches: You might have already searched for that topic before and discussed it later. Advertisements are based on your previous searches, not on your current conversation.
What should the user do?
Although the allegations of complete conversation listening have not been proven, it's still essential for users to be cautious. You can make your privacy a little more secure by following the steps below:
- Go to Settings > Privacy > Microphone Access on your mobile and see which apps have been granted microphone permission
- Turn off microphone access for unnecessary apps
- Clear search history and location data from time to time
- Be sure to read the privacy policy of the apps before sharing personal data
