You are the product. Corporations spying on us deeper than we thought?

[kentrolla]

Yeah this is scary, I was talking to my wife about certain thing on consecutive days and then I see something related to that pops up on my Google Chrome, they even have voice detection I belive and we are being spied upon big time, right from our browsing history to shopping cart to the genre of videos we watch on YouTube until the places we visit.

We need to understand that if we are getting something for free, it mean we are the product and same game is played with us by big companies like Google, Amazon, YouTube, Meta.

[Faisal2202]

It might work and also turn off as well the camera permission. But I am not just sure if they will have a way to turn it on again through updates.

You are right it will work but only to some extent because every app you are using somehow becomes a part of your life, for example, Google map for travelers, Food Panda for food, OYO app for hotels, VPNs for changing locations, Browsers for different profiles, games to enjoy the time, etc., etc. These names come to my mind due to various factors, like ads, usage, etc. but your location has to do a lot with the usage of the app.

For example, if we are not depending on an app it does not mean people living in the UK or the US might be using that app because that same app has extra features abled to them but these extra features come with a price, that price is of privacy and these extra features apps are connected with each other in a manner that if you will remove one's permission other will start to malfunction.

That's why we can't remain safe from these ads and can't get full privacy with these smartphones even if we disable the permissions they are feeding data.

[topbitcoin]

This is not too excessive, because sometimes the placement of advertisements often coincides with what we are thinking and what we are talking about, so this gives rise to suspicion, is our cellphone really being tapped?

And what actually happens is that our cellphones are not tapped, but instead you are a social media algorithm system that tries to collect user data and monitor and collect things that its users like. And the results of this algorithm system analysis will later be presented to each user based on what they like. And this is done because currently social media is supported by advertising, so social media is designed to benefit advertisers, not users.
And that can happen, indeed often when we want something we often look for that thing on social media.

[tjtonmoy]

This has already been discussed many years ago. I am unable to find it right now so I can't provide the source link but I can share the summary of that topic. They are listening, they are tracking every move and whatever you say. If you are using Apple devices then most likely your privacy is secure, because they strictly focus on security. But that doesn't mean that they themselves are not listening. From what I know, every Apple devices has a built-in AI functionality which listens to your conversation and then use that algorithm to find something on the internet that matches your conversation. By doing this, your privacy and data does not get leaked. I don't know what goes inside the company, but this is what they have disclosed to the people.

As for Android, you are using the operating system provided by Google itself and they are always collecting data from you. They are also listening and watching. I don't know how secure these devices are. That topic was about using custom OS and not using the one provided by Google. There are open sources OS created by people which helps you control the default permission provided by Google and change it. Best alternative for this is MicroG. Then again, they are not 100% secure. But using custom OS is a bit more secure than using Apple devices or iOS.

So the point is, do not use whatever is provided by company itself. Try to find alternative that are more secure than the default one. Also, you can disable many permissions from your default operating system if you look for it in the settings. That prevents individual apps from accessing your data but not from Google itself. So if you want total security from everything then custom OS is the best choice. Do your own search before using. I might be wrong so I don't want to be accountable for anything happening to you.

[sokani]

I'm aware that big corporations steal data under the falsehood that they want to improve their services to end-users, and they end up selling it to big businesses. They collect our data directly by asking or indirectly by tracking us through ip address, browsing history, purchasing activity etc. With the advancement in technology anything is possible and these guys can take their data theft to a whole new level by listening to our conversation through smart devices. So op I don't think you're being over reactive, this shit could be real.

[Captain Corporate]

This has been true for 20+ years, why does it suddenly make sense in the end at nearly during a time we are so close to 2024? I mean from facebook to myspace, they all sold ads, and allowed us to be the user for free, which meant that the income they had was purely from selling us as the product to the people who gave ads, that was literally the case 20+ years ago, its really nothing new. I mean I get that its getting more and more common, but that's fine, its really not a big deal because it allows us to use some products for free. Not that I mind about seeing ads, I have ad blocker anyway so I do not really see all that many ads, and I am fine being the product.

[mvdheuvel1983]

I guess this is what the world and tech has turned into right now. It is all about data data and data. Humans or consumers of tech products are just participants in a huge experiments going on and the data is being gathered and analysed by the research and development department of these corporations who have paid big money for this. While it is true that you can turn off permissions to camera and microphone on your phone when downloading an app it may not be possible for those who live in smart houses , or use cars that my have internet connectivity.

[serveria.com]

And what actually happens is that our cellphones are not tapped, but instead you are a social media algorithm system that tries to collect user data and monitor and collect things that its users like. And the results of this algorithm system analysis will later be presented to each user based on what they like. And this is done because currently social media is supported by advertising, so social media is designed to benefit advertisers, not users.
And that can happen, indeed often when we want something we often look for that thing on social media.

My question is: did you read my posts above? I never searched any of that stuff online. I don't want and I don't own the car or the key, I haven't searched it online. And yet I was offered to buy it.

At this point I guess it's pretty clear that they ARE listening and there's some kind of AI processing this info and suggests the ads.

So the point is, do not use whatever is provided by company itself. Try to find alternative that are more secure than the default one.

I wonder how is it possible if we're talking about IOS?

[BenCodie]

Can we discuss it? Perhaps I'm overreacting or being paranoid and there's a simple explanation for this?   

You're not overreacting or being paranoid. I've had countless "coincidences" (not really coincidences) where what is mentioned in conversation is either appearing on my, or a friend/family member's point of advertising after conversation. It's happened so many times that it's proven rather than conspiracy at this stage (mostly IOS in recallable circumstances)

If you want to confirm it yourself, pick a random, advertiseable product and repeat it in a conversation form, I am sure you will see shortly after that your google ads, Facebook feed, or whatever targets you primarily for advertising will start to show results relating to it.

For example...
"I am really considering catching a flight to the Antarctic to see penguins but I can't find out if that's possible"
"I am really wondering if I can go and walk with penguins in the Antarctic"
"I would pay any amount of money to go and see penguins somewhere, I've never seen one before!"
"I wonder if I can pay someone to pet a penguin"

You can be sure that saying the above a few times in either conversation or just in a room where your phone also sits, that you'll start seeing ads relating to any of the following shortly after or over the coming days:
- Visiting penguins
- Flights to the Antarctic or tours there
- A zoo that has penguins

Zoo, flights and penguins are not standard advertisements...so if they come up, you can be sure that the ad was targeted because of what you said.

Try it and report back with results

[suzanne5223]

Ok, everybody knows we are being spied on by the corporations like Google, Meta, Microsoft etc. [snip]
Can we discuss it? Perhaps I'm overreacting or being paranoid and there's a simple explanation for this?   

You're not overreacting or paranoid. It is an honest fact.
Anyone who is still using Google, Meta, Microsoft, iPhone, and Android phones will always be spied on by this giant tech organization. However, ever since Elon Musk made a statement about the Fed paying some certain fund to acquire some information from social media platform I am starting to believe the Fed fully understand what this tech giant is doing and they are using it as a weapon.

[Dr.Bitcoin_Strange]

Well, those technologies you mentioned are improving every day, and they will definitely be working on some other projects from the inside that they have not brought to the public, and it could be possible that some of the apps we use on our phones have the possibility of allowing the phone to record things. For example, if you want to search for something on Google, you can actually use voice to say what you want to search for, and you will exactly get the results for what you have asked for. That's one reason for me to believe that some of the apps we have on our phones might be listening to some key words we say, and when we are browsing, they show results or adds based on the data they have gathered. Just my opinion.

[inthelongrun]

It's been happening for a long time already. Governments and powerful countries as much as possible try to get all the information they want for current and future purposes. Products from China and the US have the highest chance of spying capabilities. Maybe Russian products as well but it seems like they are technologically behind compared to others. This is why I prefer Japanese, South Korean, and Taiwanese products.

But as long as we are living as good citizens and not hiding anything illegal then the less we have to worry about spying.

[pinggoki]

~

Let's not mix apples and oranges. I too am aware of governments listening, I was aware of Google/Apple etc spying using search history for example. But this is something new, it only appeared recently. I'm starting to suspect they're using some kind of AI (AdGPT?  ) to collect data (via mic and possibly camera), process it and deliver ads based on this data. The thing is that it's illegal and most people are clueless what's going on in their phones. 

That's what the NSA has been doing already and it's not really a certainty that the government and these companies aren't conspiring to collect the data, I mean it's not far fetch to think so right? That the government can have the share on the data collected and in exchange they will allow this as long as they are involved so there's no possibility that the other countries might do the spying on their people. Regarding the targeted ads, I can't vouch for the listening but most platforms have a code or algorithm written that will check the users visits in pages or interests or something like, make sure to not allow cookies when you are visiting a website because that's another way that they can track you and target you with the specific ads.

[michellee]

It looks like what @OP said is true. When we use a tool or device, there are companies like Google, Microsoft and others who are watching us and providing their offerings. This is where we have to be careful and wait to decide to buy it before we know what the benefits are for us.

You're not exaggerating on this, @OP, because we experience it too. Even though our situations are often different, the essence is still the same, as you said. For this reason, if we want to install or use something, we have to look for more information. This is to prevent us from becoming promotion targets from unclear companies.

Before the internet spread and developed as it is now, these companies were already developing applications. And when we download it, they will immediately be able to get the data. And they can use this data for their benefit. And whoever can hold the data and control it will control the market.

[demonica]

It's not something new nor surprising actually. This fact has been circulating in social media for a long time. That if you're not paying for anything, then you are the product. Simple as that. And I think it's easy to understand cause how come a business who ain't selling anything will earn their profit? Afaik these businesses uses the information of their users for ads. Most commonly, they earn through ads and such. That's why when we search something, we usually get an ad related to that product after.

[milewilda]

Can we discuss it? Perhaps I'm overreacting or being paranoid and there's a simple explanation for this?   

You're not overreacting or being paranoid. I've had countless "coincidences" (not really coincidences) where what is mentioned in conversation is either appearing on my, or a friend/family member's point of advertising after conversation. It's happened so many times that it's proven rather than conspiracy at this stage (mostly IOS in recallable circumstances)

If you want to confirm it yourself, pick a random, advertiseable product and repeat it in a conversation form, I am sure you will see shortly after that your google ads, Facebook feed, or whatever targets you primarily for advertising will start to show results relating to it.

For example...
"I am really considering catching a flight to the Antarctic to see penguins but I can't find out if that's possible"
"I am really wondering if I can go and walk with penguins in the Antarctic"
"I would pay any amount of money to go and see penguins somewhere, I've never seen one before!"
"I wonder if I can pay someone to pet a penguin"

You can be sure that saying the above a few times in either conversation or just in a room where your phone also sits, that you'll start seeing ads relating to any of the following shortly after or over the coming days:
- Visiting penguins
- Flights to the Antarctic or tours there
- A zoo that has penguins

Zoo, flights and penguins are not standard advertisements...so if they come up, you can be sure that the ad was targeted because of what you said.

Try it and report back with results

I dont know if i do have noticed this one or just simply that missed out on having that kind of recommendation after you have some conversation which you are really that near with your phone and suddenly those things that you've been mentioning turns out on getting heard of on which recommendations pop out like magic. I might try this one if ever it did really make out such action because it is really just that too impossible that
these recommendations would pop up since you arent really making some searches into your device on which it would really be that something understandable but we've mentioned out as if our phones does have some
ears then it is really that quite alarming.Im not really that shocked though about monitoring or something but in the extent that even we arent been using our phones as it seems like they do have ears on what
we are saying or what are the things that we are really mentioning.

I would come back and tell if this one really becomes real or something that really works. If it does then it would really be alarming and i might really be that
taking my phone too far when conversing someone about. I dont really like for everything would really be heard of.

[wiss19]

They don't call this spying, but it's a way for them to improve advertising metrics and provide their clients with better services when it comes to targeted ads, and, they say they have the right to do that because you give them permission for it without bothering to read their terms of use and everything else and also agree for them to use your phone's functions when the app is running in the background without even realizing what we are allowing them to do.

So, if we want Google Assistant, Alexa, Siri, or any other AI-powered voice assistance apps to provide us the convenience of doing things that we just speak without touching our phone, I guess they will have their ears open all the time which means that anything we say, as long as the device is on a hearable distance, is heard by the device and whatever is directed to it is responded to and whatever isn't is processed and saved for the purpose of targeted advertisement because they filter the keywords heard and provide personalized ads based on that.

[Marvell1]

It looks like what @OP said is true. When we use a tool or device, there are companies like Google, Microsoft and others who are watching us and providing their offerings. This is where we have to be careful and wait to decide to buy it before we know what the benefits are for us.

You're not exaggerating on this, @OP, because we experience it too. Even though our situations are often different, the essence is still the same, as you said. For this reason, if we want to install or use something, we have to look for more information. This is to prevent us from becoming promotion targets from unclear companies.

Before the internet spread and developed as it is now, these companies were already developing applications. And when we download it, they will immediately be able to get the data. And they can use this data for their benefit. And whoever can hold the data and control it will control the market.

That is the price we have to pay them when using their products. Are you using a free facebook, gmail, outlook account and you ask them not to track anything about you? If it were you, would you be willing to create free products and applications to provide to everyone and not ask them for anything? So we don't need to be careful and we can't do anything else to change that if we still use their products.

I've known this for a long time, but because I still depend on their products, I'm willing to pay the price. The only way is to stop using the phone, stop using social networks, email... we will no longer be tracked.

[Lorence.xD]

It looks like what @OP said is true. When we use a tool or device, there are companies like Google, Microsoft and others who are watching us and providing their offerings. This is where we have to be careful and wait to decide to buy it before we know what the benefits are for us.

You're not exaggerating on this, @OP, because we experience it too. Even though our situations are often different, the essence is still the same, as you said. For this reason, if we want to install or use something, we have to look for more information. This is to prevent us from becoming promotion targets from unclear companies.

Before the internet spread and developed as it is now, these companies were already developing applications. And when we download it, they will immediately be able to get the data. And they can use this data for their benefit. And whoever can hold the data and control it will control the market.

That is the price we have to pay them when using their products. Are you using a free facebook, gmail, outlook account and you ask them not to track anything about you? If it were you, would you be willing to create free products and applications to provide to everyone and not ask them for anything? So we don't need to be careful and we can't do anything else to change that if we still use their products.

I've known this for a long time, but because I still depend on their products, I'm willing to pay the price. The only way is to stop using the phone, stop using social networks, email... we will no longer be tracked.

I exactly agree with your statement, using their application obviously would give them access to your data and information, if you are using the legal and licensed app for sure they wouldn't use it against you like blackmailing and leaking, but if you are using apps that are illegal for sure these cases are possible, worse is they might be criminals and stalkers would go to in front of your house.

For sure they can gather the information they might record your history like for the marketplace online, therefore they would give you advertisements and recommend similar items from what you have searched.  By simply using a delivery app they could already track your locations could already alarming, but yeah that is the trade you would get by using their product or app, they can email you advertisements, announcements etc.

[BitcoinTurk]

Can we discuss it? Perhaps I'm overreacting or being paranoid and there's a simple explanation for this?   

All social media platforms that we use free of charge earn money through advertising revenues and unfortunately the users become an asset of these platforms in order to benefit from these services for free. Not only social media applications but almost all applications&games we install on our devices require microphone, camera, photo archive and similar access in order to provide the best advertising experience. Of course, the advertising experience I'm talking about here is for advertisers, not for us as users.

Although it is said that data security is important today and we don't want our data to be used in many applications. The contracts we sign without reading, the permissions we give to applications to access our device after installing them and the fact that we allow applications to track us are actually the price we pay to benefit from that service. And, unfortunately, we have to accept all this as mandatory in order to use these applications for free.

Unfortunately, this will be the case as long as advertising revenue continues to be so important for the survival of these applications. Even though we think we use these applications for free, unfortunately we pay a fee for using our own information and we will continue to do so.