The internet giant collects data and listens to users’ casual conversations. What can be done to prevent this? It is no secret that Google is able to listen to Android users through their mobile phone microphones. What happens is that these recordings are then transformed into data that is generally used to target advertisements.
Until recently, users were surprised by the strange coincidences that arose between their casual conversations and the adverts they later saw on web pages or in promotional emails they received. Nowadays, it is clear that Google listens to its users almost constantly to obtain information and use it for commercial purposes. It is therefore advisable to take certain measures to prevent the privacy of everyday conversations from being violated.
Google is listening to you: how to block the microphone
Google’s listening is based on certain permissions that are enabled by default on the vast majority of phones with the Android operating system. However, it is possible — and not very difficult — to disable them. Similarly, you need to be careful when allowing any app to access the microphone. Especially when this has nothing to do with the basic functionality of the app.
Android phones: Google listens more than you think, but it can be blocked. In addition to the above, the basic procedure to follow so that Google no longer listens to conversations is as follows:
- Launch the Google app.
- Tap on the profile in the upper right corner.
- Press the option that says ‘Google Account’.
- Look for the option called “Data and privacy”.
- There, locate the “Web & App Activity” section.
- There, you can disable the “Include voice and audio activity” option.
- Tap “Stop saving”.
- To confirm the change, press “Understood”.
