Have you ever experienced discussing a product with a friend, only to see related ads on your phone moments later? Is this just a coincidence?
01
Smartphones: Smarter than You Think
In recent years, smartphones have become more powerful, helping us with daily tasks like communication, entertainment, and work. But they might also be “listening” to our needs more than we realize. You might have noticed that after discussing a new tech product with colleagues, ads for it start popping up in various apps. This makes people wonder: are our phones really eavesdropping on us?
02
Unveiling “Active Listening” Technology
Recently, journalists from 404 Media exposed a technology called “Active Listening,” developed by Cox Media Group (CMG). This technology can record and analyze all conversations captured by smartphone microphones, converting them into ad recommendations.
Surprisingly, CMG has already collaborated with companies like Facebook, Amazon, Google, and Microsoft. This raises the question of whether Chinese tech giants might be using similar technology.
03
Not Just Phones – Smart Devices Might Be “Spying” Too
This technology isn’t limited to smartphone microphones; it also extends to other smart devices like TVs, speakers, and more. Any device with voice recognition capabilities could potentially be used for “active listening,” all without our knowledge.
We have always believed that voice recognition is only activated after a wake word, but if devices are constantly listening, our privacy could be under serious threat.
04
Tech Companies Deny It, but We Should Stay Cautious
In response to these concerns, tech companies have denied involvement with “Active Listening” technology. However, we shouldn’t be complacent. After all, some companies may prioritize profit over user privacy.
05
How to Protect Your Privacy?
So, how can we protect our privacy in daily life?
- Be cautious when using smart devices: Avoid discussing sensitive information around smart devices when possible.
- Turn off unnecessary permissions: Check your app permissions and disable unnecessary access to microphones, cameras, etc.
- Regularly clear data: Clear your phone’s cache, history, and other data to reduce privacy risks.
- Stay informed about policies: Keep up with laws and regulations regarding privacy protection for smart devices to understand your rights.
While smartphones have brought convenience to our lives, they also pose a risk to our privacy. As consumers, we must stay vigilant and protect our personal information.
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