Instead, they rely on your operating system to automatically switch audio inputs when you plug-in your own external microphone. Mic Locks don’t physically disable the microphones on your devices. Mic Lock is the best, easy-to-use, fool-proof solution to block your microphones and have the peace of mind that nobody is listening. We need a consumer-friendly solution, and Mic Lock fits the bill perfectly. When it comes to blocking microphones, however, a sticky note just isn’t going to cut it. No special equipment needed, just use one of the sticky notes that are already sitting in your drawer. ![]() A camera is a very straight-forward device to block. So why have we neglected our microphones? As usual, I think the answer is convenience. Plus, audio data is much easier to process in big batches with speech-to-text software, which could make your conversations searchable in an algorithm or database and reduce the storage size dramatically. A listening device could reveal your relationships and interests, insider business information, and even the doctor’s appointment you made for that weird rash. Our conversations have the potential to reveal so much more sensitive information than our cameras would ever reveal. If I had to choose, though, I would rather have my web cam hacked than my microphone. However, the idea of someone hacking my microphone just doesn’t have quite the same visceral reaction. I would be disgusted if I found out that someone had hacked my web cam and could see me and my home. The majority of us (especially my readers) already block their web cameras with some sort of sticker or cover. Just like with the webcam sticker, I say it’s better to be safe than sorry and just block the microphone to remove any doubt. Whether or not to believe them is up to you. Of course, all the tech giants vehemently deny that their products listen to everything we say to improve targeted advertising. You may not recall any connection to that product besides the conversation, but perhaps your friend was researching it online and was caught in the data drag net, resulting in Google or Facebook thinking you might be interested in the product as well. Tracking your interests through your browsing history, your friends and family, or your location could give the illusion that your phone is listening to you when, by coincidence, the algorithm suggests a product you talked about with your friend. An alternative explanation is that the other inputs used to personalize advertisements are just that good. While there is no smoking gun to prove without a doubt that tech giants like Facebook or Google are listening, many people have had clear experiences where a product is mentioned audibly in their day to day lives and the same product shows up in targeted advertisements online hours later.ĭo these numerous experiences prove that they are listening? It’s hard to say. Whether or not our devices are recording everything we say is actively debated in privacy communities. You might be wondering, are our devices actually listening to us behind our backs or have I just got my tin-foil hat on too tight?
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