Some of us are more paranoid than others about what our phones are listening to and what they do with that information.
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Advertisers and data brokers know too much about you. They don't have to listen to discover your secrets. Still, you better believe it's happening.
Do not worry. I am committed to protecting your security and privacy. Because we all know that Big Tech companies don't.
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I feel like someone is watching me
A hidden feature of your Google Account is to pull audio recordings from your web and app activity, interactions with your digital assistant, and more.
Google says it's only listening to orders to strengthen its marketing efforts. But these privacy violations can lead to much more serious problems.
If cybercriminals hack your Google account or smart device, they could get their hands on your stored audio and voice data. We're talking about AI voice clones that can do things like access sensitive accounts or scam your loved ones.
![Google logo displayed on tablet screen](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2023/03/1200/675/Google.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Google's audio recording feature raises serious privacy concerns. (Photo credit: KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images)
Fortunately, there is a way to stop the madness. Here's how to stop Google from eavesdropping:
digital earmuffs
Google is smart, but you are smarter. To protect your privacy, follow these steps: It's easy on your phone.
- Heat google app On your smartphone.
- click Manage your Google Account and Data & Privacy Tabthen scroll to record settings.
- Choose Web and app activity. A blue check mark may appear next to the Speech and Audio Activity settings. Please cancel your selection.
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Now, as if by magic, audio recorded from your interactions with Google Search, Assistant, and Maps will no longer be saved to your Google account. It's not even stored on Google servers. phew.
However, previously saved audio recordings will not be erased. I think that part needs to be handled separately.
Delete one item at a time.
- Open your Google Account.
- click Data and Privacy Protection.
- Under History Settings, click Next. Web and app activity.
- click Activity Management Review your list of past activities. Items with a microphone icon include recordings.
- next to the item you want to delete. moreThen delete.
![Google Internet Homepage](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2018/09/1200/675/6d97cde3-google.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
You can delete audio data collected from you through Google's activity management and data privacy settings. (Reuters/Neil Hall)
Delete all items at once:
- Open your Google Account.
- click Data and Privacy Protection.
- Under Record Settings, click Next. Web and app activity.
- click Activity Management Review your list of past activities. Items with a microphone icon include recordings.
- Click Next above the activity. deleteThen all time. Follow the on-screen instructions.
NOTE: This step will be deleted. every Web and app activity associated with your Google Account, as well as items including recordings.
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don't disturb
In the meantime, see if there are any other apps you might be listening to. Let's start with the iPhone.
- open setting > Privacy and Security > microphone.
- On the next screen, review the list of apps. toggle the switch turn off Block apps from accessing your microphone.
![iphone apple](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2023/03/1200/675/3-iphone.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Changing your phone settings can help you regulate which apps can access your microphone. (Fox News Digital)
Do you have Android? Do this:
- Swipe down from the top of the screen to go to: setting.
- Tap it. gear icon > seclusion > permission manager.
- Review the list and use your microphone to turn off the ones you don't want.
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phew. After just a few minutes of work, you can now relax more easily.
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