That feeling that we are heard all the time and that this is the basis for advertisements that reach us on our cell phones may not be so crazy after all.
Although some consider this thought to be a huge conspiracy theory, reality proves exactly the opposite.
In recent days, the United States press has reported on the discovery that marketing companies have confessed to accessing cell phone microphones to collect data and target advertising. And detail: all this without prior authorization from the user.
One of the companies involved is part of the Cox Media Group and works on implementing this service, called “Escuta Ativa”.
Apart from her, representatives from another company, MindShift, also spoke openly about the subject in a podcast.
Focus on the task
Be careful what you say around your cell phone, it could be being monitored – Source: Internet/Reproduction
The service run by these companies focuses on distributing ads to so-called “ready buyers”, those people who talk on their cell phones about a product they want to buy or acquire.
The action, in real time, consists of promoting advertisements and promotions, especially on social networks such as Instagram and Facebook, of the same items mentioned by the device owner.
It is impossible not to be amazed when you see this mechanism in practice. The technology used for this is kept secret by the companies involved.
In the USA, the reports discovered, for example, the adoption of the service by a luxury car dealership, a property rental company, an NGO and a home repair provider, that is, different segments.
Small and large businesses
During the podcast interview, MindShift representatives explained that the voice recognition technology would be provided by a long-standing partner. Furthermore, the function is already applied to both small and large businesses.
The process is so personalized that whoever hires the advertising service can determine the range of voice detections and advertising display.
There is even a tracking pixel that is added to the site to provide viewing and access metrics.
Another curious aspect is that the practice would not be restricted to cell phones. It also has the potential to be used in smart assistants, such as Alexa, and in televisions. In other words: monitoring is constant.
How to protect yourself
The discovery, of course, is a huge scandal, as it highlights the insecurity and lack of protection for private data.
In Brazil, for example, the General Data Protection Law (LGPD) prohibits the use of information without the citizen’s authorization.
The possibility of remotely listening to what is said near cell phones, however, proves to be somewhat frightening, as the user has little alternative to react.
To protect yourself from this type of situation, the only way out is often to move the device away or turn it off. On Android and iPhone cell phones, it is possible to control the use of the microphone using an application installed on the device. It’s worth paying attention to this.
Systems usually issue notifications when the feature is activated and the user receives alerts when the microphone is on outside of times of use.
Another solution is to pay attention to the privacy policies of devices and applications in general. It is important to know the preferences that control or restrict what is heard and stored for each solution. If you do not agree or suspect something, stop using it.
2023-12-28 00:35:10
#Invaded #intimacy #companies #assume #listen #cell #phone #conversations #target #advertisements
