Snooping fears
Fears that apps are snooping on you have been around for years.
Just last year, the iPhone camera alert sparked fears that Instagram was secretly filming users – but it was just a bug.
Many Facebook users say they’ve spoken about something out loud, only for related adverts to appear on the app soon after.
These users claim they’ve never searched for this sort of content before, and the only possible explanation is snooping.
Users reckon Facebook is using your phone’s microphone to listen in on real-world conversations – to help target ads. But is it true?
Facebook has been very clear about the matter, and says it isn’t using microphone recordings to target ads better.
“Facebook does not use your phone’s microphone to inform ads or to change what you see in News Feed,” a company spokesperson said.
“Some recent articles have suggested that we must be listening to people’s conversations in order to show them relevant ads. This is not true.
“We show ads based on people’s interests and other profile information – not what you’re talking out loud about.
“We only access your microphone if you have given our app permission and if you are actively using a specific feature that requires audio.
“This might include recording a video or using an optional feature we introduced two years ago to include music or other audio in your status updates.”
There’s never been any solid evidence – beyond hearsay and anecdotes – that Facebook is recording your real-life conversations.
However, it’s entirely possible that other rogue apps could listen in on what you’re doing.
So Google’s new feature is the perfect defence for dodgy apps who play fast and loose with your privacy.
If you’re still worried that Facebook is listening to you, read our handy guide.
