Ars TechnicaDec 15, 2023

No, a marketing firm isn’t tapping your device to hear private conversations

"Real-time" listening claims were exaggerated, but the creepy factor remains.

https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2023/12/no-a-marketing-firm-isnt-tapping-your-device-to-hear-private-conversations/?utm_brand=arstechnica&utm_social-type=owned&utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=social

Marketer sparks panic with claims it uses smart devices to eavesdrop on people

“Real-time” listening claims were exaggerated, but the creepy factor remains.

Ars Technica
Show threadGed MaheuxDec 15, 2023
@arstechnica @CStamp Sorry, don’t believe it for a second. I’ve had more than a few instances where I only SPOKE about a topic (not searched or researched) in my own home and lo and behold soon after see ads for that topic. No one can convince me devices or apps are not actively listening.
Show thread🇨🇦 Steve
@gedeonm @arstechnica @CStamp Have you had this recently? It happened to me a few times a couple years ago, but hasn’t happened recently.
Dec 16, 2023 at 12:04amWeb
Show threadGed MaheuxDec 16, 2023
@tewha @arstechnica @CStamp Yes. I 100% certainly have. Had an off the cuff convo about wanting Froot Loops with my wife one morning a month or so ago and soon after ads for the cereal (!!!) appeared in my Insta feed. Not any cereal, Froot Loops.
Show thread🇨🇦 SteveDec 16, 2023

@gedeonm @arstechnica @CStamp I’m trying to remember. I think I had Facebook uninstalled for most of those two years, and I checked and have microphone access off now.

Oh, I should really take away photo library access. Probably too late.