Do smartphones secretly listen to conversations to serve targeted ads. While phones have microphones always on for virtual assistants, eavesdropping for advertising isn't the most likely culprit. Instead, vast amounts of data, such as search history, app usage, and sensor data, help companies predict user interests.
If you're worried about Phone eavesdropping, there is a simple test:
- Talk about a unique topic near your phone without searching for it and observe over a few days and then see whether related ads appear.
Some steps to limit tracking:
- Reviewing app permissions,
- Disabling voice assistants.
- Keeping phones updated to prevent security vulnerabilities.
Ultimately, while the idea of phones actively listening is unnerving, data collection through other means is often responsible for eerily relevant ads.
