Some of us are more concerned than others about what our cell phones are listening to and what they might do with that information.
We’re giving away an iPhone 15 valued at $799. Enter now for a chance to win!
Advertisers and data brokers know a lot about you… they don’t need to listen to find out your secrets. And yet, you’d better believe it’s happening.
Don’t worry, I care about your security and privacy, as we all know the big tech companies don’t.
I feel like someone is watching me
Hidden features in your Google Account collect voice recordings from your web and app activity, interactions with digital assistants, and more.
Google says it’s only eavesdropping to listen in on commands and to enhance its marketing efforts, but this privacy breach could raise much bigger problems.
If cybercriminals hack into your Google account or smart devices, they can get their hands on any stored audio and voice data. And it all goes wrong from there. We’re talking about artificially intelligent voice clones that can access your sensitive accounts, scam your loved ones, or even worse.
Luckily, there’s a way to stop this madness. Here’s how to block Google from eavesdropping on you.
Digital earmuffs
Google is smart, but you are smarter. To protect your privacy, follow these steps. It’s easy on your smartphone.
◾ Open the Google app on your phone.
Click Manage your Google Account, select the Data & Privacy tab, and scroll down to History settings.
Select ◾ Web & App Activity. You may notice that the Voice & Audio Activity setting has a blue check mark next to it. Uncheck it.
Now, like magic, voice recordings of your interactions with Google Search, Assistant, and Maps are no longer stored in your Google Account, nor on Google’s servers.
However, this does not erase any previously saved audio recordings, which must be dealt with separately.
Remove one item at a time.
◾ Open your Google Account.
◾Click “Data and Privacy”.
◾ In History settings, click Web & App Activity.
◾ Click Manage Activity to see a list of your past activity. Items with a microphone icon include recordings.
◾ Select “More” next to the item you want to delete, then select “Delete.”
Delete all items at once:
◾ Open your Google Account.
◾Click “Data and Privacy”.
◾ In History settings, click Web & App Activity.
◾ Click Manage Activity to see a list of your past activity. Items with a microphone icon include recordings.
◾ Above your activity, click Delete, then click All Time. Follow the on-screen instructions.
Note: These steps will delete all your web and app activity associated with your Google Account, including your items as well as your recordings.
do not disturb
While you’re there, check out other apps that might be eavesdropping, starting with your iPhone.
◾ Open “Settings” > “Privacy and Security” > “Microphone”.
◾ On the next screen, review the list of apps. Toggle the switch off to prevent apps from accessing your microphone.
Have an Android? Follow these steps:
◾ Swipe down from the top of the screen and go to Settings.
◾ Tap the gear icon > Privacy > Permission manager.
◾ Go through the list and turn off anything you don’t want to use your microphone for.
Whew. Just a few minutes of work and I can rest a little easier.
Learn about the latest in technology with The Kim Komando Show, the country’s biggest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and offers advice on today’s digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. Visit her website for daily tips, a free newsletter and more.