In an age where our smartphones seem to be an extension of ourselves, it's unsettling to think that these devices might be listening in on our private conversations. The idea that our phones could be eavesdropping on us sounds like something out of a dystopian novel, yet it's a concern that has been growing among Australians, especially those of us who remember a time when privacy was a given, not a privilege.

But how can you tell if your phone is actually spying on you? Cybersecurity experts at NordVPN have devised a simple, yet ingenious four-step test to uncover the truth. Here at the Seniors Discount Club, we're all about keeping you informed and empowered, so let's dive into how you can conduct this test yourself and what you can do to protect your privacy.

Is your phone eavesdropping your conversation? Try this test to find out! Credit: Freepik

**The Four-Step Eavesdropping Test**

1. **Select a Unique Topic**: Choose a subject you've never searched for online or discussed near your phone. This could be anything from a rare tropical fruit to a remote holiday destination you've never considered visiting.

2. **Have Conversations**: Over the next few days, talk about your chosen topic near your phone. Use specific keywords and phrases that could trigger targeted ads, but remember not to search for the topic online or interact with related content.

3. **Continue Normal Phone Use**: Use your phone as you usually would, avoiding any actions that could lead to targeted ads related to your test topic.

4. **Observe the Ads**: In the days and weeks following your conversations, monitor the ads that appear on your social media feeds and other apps. If you start seeing ads related to your chosen topic, it's possible that your phone has been listening.

**The Startling Results**

When NordVPN researchers conducted this test, they found that targeted ads began appearing on their devices within days after discussing topics they had never Googled before. This suggests that our devices might be using our conversations to tailor advertising content to our interests.

**The Legality of Eavesdropping Phones**

While it may feel like a violation of privacy, using audio information for targeted advertising is not illegal. Most of us have unwittingly consented to this practice when we agreed to the terms and conditions of virtual assistants like Siri, Google Assistant, or Alexa. These assistants are always listening for their activation phrase, which means they're also capturing snippets of our daily conversations.

**Protecting Your Privacy**

If you're concerned about your privacy, there are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of eavesdropping:

- **Deactivate Virtual Assistants**: You can turn off Siri, Google Assistant, or Alexa in your phone's settings to prevent them from listening.

- **Review App Permissions**: Check the permissions for each app on your phone, especially the microphone access, and disable any that are unnecessary.

- **Limit Ad Tracking**: On iPhones, you can toggle off 'Allow Tracking' to prevent apps from using your phone's unique signature to track you.

- **Stay Informed**: Keep up to date with the latest privacy tools and settings offered by your smartphone's operating system.

Key Takeaways

• Cybersecurity experts have created a four-step test to determine if a smartphone is eavesdropping on conversations.
• The test involves discussing a unique topic near the phone, then observing if ads related to the topic appear on social media feeds or streaming services.
• NordVPN researchers' own tests suggested phones might be using captured audio information for targeted advertising.
• To prevent eavesdropping, experts recommend deactivating virtual assistants and reviewing app permissions, especially those linked to microphone access.

At the Seniors Discount Club, we understand that convenience often comes at the cost of privacy. But by staying vigilant and informed, you can enjoy the benefits of modern technology without sacrificing your personal space. Have you ever experienced a situation where you felt your phone was listening to you? Share your stories and tips with our community in the comments below. Let's help each other stay safe in the digital world!

 

[Abby2]

Gone are the days when you could just hang up the phone with security.