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

[arimamib]

...

~

It can be said that we will have no way to avoid them eavesdropping and collecting our information because that is the way for them to generate income and create products that they call providing us for free. And you are right, the only thing we can do is to avoid using unofficial apps and illegal apps to avoid unwanted problems. As for official apps, we should feel completely secure when using them and of course, they are collecting our information and we should accept that.

In this digital era, it's almost impossible to completely eliminate the collection of our personal information by companies and organizations. Data has become a valuable commodity, and many businesses rely on it to generate income and develop new products and services.

we can utilize tools and technologies which regard more on users' privacy, such as encrypted messaging apps, VPNs and browser extensions that block trackers and cookies. These tools can help create a more secure and private online experience. it's a balancing act between using the digital services we rely on and protecting our privacy.

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[EFS]

It's not that deep. This has been known for a long time. If you want to avoid it you shouldn't use a smartphone. In my opinion there is nothing bad about it, they make your life easier by personalizing the ads for you. Of course if there are people who are uncomfortable with this, they will either not use smartphones or they will use untraceable ones that are specially made for this. If you are uncomfortable with eavesdropping, city life is not for you. Because even if you don't use it, the phones of the people around you record your voice anyway.

[coupable]

I read all the comments on this topic and noticed that all the commentators complain about these practices that most applications on the Internet follow. But at the same time, they do not offer alternatives if we want to establish an Internet that maintains privacy while providing an enjoyable browsing experience, as is happening today.
Also, users can limit this close monitoring by changing their browsing behavior by verifying the information that is shared with any application and avoiding using unknown applications.

Well, I think people are already aware of the Internet especially when it comes to using websites or applications that could contain your data and private information. As I said, it's normal for them to gather your data as you are one of their users, and as a registered and legal app, their job is to protect and secure that information. If people or users are not that satisfied yet with the application-provided security, I think it is already their responsibility to take measures to secure their data for example, using a VPN, changing the settings such as blocking unwanted emails, downloading anti-virus to avoid unwanted files to go to your system that might cause hackers to get hands on your data.

I do not think at all that people, or let's say most Internet users, are aware of maintaining privacy while using various applications, especially social media applications. The clear evidence is the amount of data that these applications still collect from users and on the basis of which they develop their products. There is no explanation for this except that the majority of users are actually unaware or that they do not pay attention to the matter and do not have the ability to realize the danger in it. Most applications stipulate in their terms of use that they prohibit the use of hiding software such as VPNs. Of course, because it knows the importance of collecting navigation data on the Internet and will not hesitate to use any means to continue doing so.

[doomloop]

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.

That is what he said, that we already know this. It's just that he discovered something which might still be new to him and it's worth sharing here for the awareness of those who also didn't know it yet. I'm still not sure though if I will agree on that, that we are a product because I think a product is something that is being created by a company and will be ready for sale to the public.

Although maybe, we are a product of god. Or the product of Eve and Adan . It's actually mind boggling if some business can still earn without selling anything. What I only know is that a government or its officials can earn so much money even if they didn't work hard. That is, if they are also corrupt.

[jacafbiz]

Ok, everybody knows we are being spied on by the corporations like Google, Meta, Microsoft etc. That's a pretty well-known fact and is generally accepted by the public. However, I started noticing some alarming facts recently: I am being offered stuff I mention while I'm on the phone. Then, I noticed they're offering stuff I mention while chatting with my family while the phone is located somewhere in the room.

Finally, what's really scary, today I was talking to someone (while my phone was nearby) regarding a car key. I started using my phone a bit later and I was shocked to find out there's an ad containing the very same Merc key we were discussing and I was holding in my hands! Then suddenly I realized this is not the first time something like that happens. Which means that the phone is listening? (recording?) to our conversations and possibly also filming the whole thing?

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

This is so true, few weeks ago I went to price a Monopoly board game and that evening I started seeing Monopoly game ads on my phones, that is when I realized the big brother issue is so much true, they monitor everything about you, then I was thinking I need to get phones that are not internet enabled as my private phone and used the other ones for internet communication and also there is need to start using VPNs, if you can get one that is really secured because some of these VPNs are there to collect your data and sell, the world is really going crazy

[Zlantann]

This is so true, few weeks ago I went to price a Monopoly board game and that evening I started seeing Monopoly game ads on my phones, that is when I realized the big brother issue is so much true, they monitor everything about you, then I was thinking I need to get phones that are not internet enabled as my private phone and used the other ones for internet communication and also there is need to start using VPNs, if you can get one that is really secured because some of these VPNs are there to collect your data and sell, the world is really going crazy

That's very strange. You never spoke on the phone with anyone concerning the Monopoly game or made any inquiries online. You just visited a physical game shop and you start seeing Monopoly games ads on your phone? Does this imply that the shop has a sensor or scanner that collects people's personal data immediately after they enter the shop? 

It's not that deep. This has been known for a long time. If you want to avoid it you shouldn't use a smartphone. In my opinion there is nothing bad about it, they make your life easier by personalizing the ads for you. Of course if there are people who are uncomfortable with this, they will either not use smartphones or they will use untraceable ones that are specially made for this. If you are uncomfortable with eavesdropping, city life is not for you. Because even if you don't use it, the phones of the people around you record your voice anyway.

It has become impossible to live in this present technological world privately. There are cameras everywhere and mobile phone networks have your data. We know that these agencies spying on citizens invade their privacy but it also has its own advantage. Spying or recording of personal information has also helped to fight crime in many countries. Living without a smartphone will be only suitable for retirees who have decided to live an off-grid life. Except one has enough money to sustain himself there is practically no job one can do now without the use of a smartphone to communicate. My own view is that, if you are not engaging in any criminal activities, there is no need to be apprehensive about this privacy issue because we cannot avoid it.     

[Lucius]

~snip~ 

We know that many privacy-conscious people cover the cameras on their personal computers in fear that someone will spy on them that way, and maybe it's time to start covering the microphone on our smartphones when we're not using them for calls. Although I wonder to what extent it would be useful considering that we are spied on even when we use such devices to talk to someone, which is actually the main purpose of mobile phones.

As someone has already written, if we want to be a part of modern digital civilization, we obviously have to pay a price for it, and that means accepting that we are spied on not only by smartphones, but by most other devices such as computers, smart TVs and any device that has internet access .

The lesson of the story is to be careful what we say, even when we are alone in our four walls, because someone is always listening.

[davis196]

I don't agree that we are being "spied" by Google, Meta and Microsoft. By using those platforms, we are giving our permission for our data to be used for marketing purposes. It's not spying if you are aware that your online behavior is being tracked. Spying is only when you don't know.
I don't know about whether or nor our smartphones are recording us. I usually hate wearing my smartphone in my pockets and I don't keep my smartphone turned on for very long periods of time. You can do an experiment to prove your theory. Talk about something in front of your smartphone and then do a Google search(or Bing search) about the thing you talked about.

[BoXXoB]

I don't know about whether or nor our smartphones are recording us. I usually hate wearing my smartphone in my pockets and I don't keep my smartphone turned on for very long periods of time. You can do an experiment to prove your theory. Talk about something in front of your smartphone and then do a Google search(or Bing search) about the thing you talked about.

It's true that it's likely not wise to "trust" your smartphone but I don't think we can jump into the conclusion that devices are actively listening on us at all times. It is definitely possible but I can see it more likely to be targeted and not used on the masses because of the inherent risks for the party doing it incase it's revealed.

What I personally think is that people underestimate the vast amount of information that can be inferred by what you and your friends/family do online. Just by browsing something, the advertisers can infer another, seemingly unrelated thing about it. That's more likely how these suggestions come to be. You also need to understand that it's not just your personal activity online. If someone you know has let a social media platform access to their contacts, that means you will be easily connected to that person too.

There's so much information that can be gathered and inferred indirectly without the need for spying directly. The problem is that a lot of the "spying" is perfectly legal.

[South Park]

I don't agree that we are being "spied" by Google, Meta and Microsoft. By using those platforms, we are giving our permission for our data to be used for marketing purposes. It's not spying if you are aware that your online behavior is being tracked. Spying is only when you don't know.
I don't know about whether or nor our smartphones are recording us. I usually hate wearing my smartphone in my pockets and I don't keep my smartphone turned on for very long periods of time. You can do an experiment to prove your theory. Talk about something in front of your smartphone and then do a Google search(or Bing search) about the thing you talked about.

While without a doubt people accept the TOS of those companies that includes using all the information you generate while using those services, and as such that cannot really be called spying, at least to me there is enough circumstantial evidence that points out to the fact that they could be going even further in their attempts to get your data, and the reason for this is simple, if they have more data to feed their models then a better model can be created which can give them an advantage over their competitors and dominate the market this way, so companies have all the reasons to try to do this.

[serveria.com]

This is so true, few weeks ago I went to price a Monopoly board game and that evening I started seeing Monopoly game ads on my phones, that is when I realized the big brother issue is so much true, they monitor everything about you, then I was thinking I need to get phones that are not internet enabled as my private phone and used the other ones for internet communication and also there is need to start using VPNs, if you can get one that is really secured because some of these VPNs are there to collect your data and sell, the world is really going crazy

That's very strange. You never spoke on the phone with anyone concerning the Monopoly game or made any inquiries online. You just visited a physical game shop and you start seeing Monopoly games ads on your phone? Does this imply that the shop has a sensor or scanner that collects people's personal data immediately after they enter the shop? 

There's a more obvious and logical explanation: the guy had been GPS tracked to the shop and inside the shop. In my case, it's really not that obvious. I have no idea how they found out about that defective part (read my post above) as I wasn't on the phone with anyone, the camera wasn't functioning as the phone was in my pocket. I also didn't communicate with anyone while on premises. What kind of black magic is that? 

[Marvelman]

There's a more obvious and logical explanation: the guy had been GPS tracked to the shop and inside the shop. In my case, it's really not that obvious. I have no idea how they found out about that defective part (read my post above) as I wasn't on the phone with anyone, the camera wasn't functioning as the phone was in my pocket. I also didn't communicate with anyone while on premises. What kind of black magic is that? 

There's probably a reasonable explanation here too.  I bet you googled it or texted someone about it and just forgot.  If not, then we're getting into real conspiracy theory territory where, like in Orwell's 1984, big brother is always watching us. 

I mean technology sure makes it feel that way sometimes.  but I dont really buy that our phones are spying on us or reading our minds. and  There are just patterns we don't always notice - we search for something earlier without remembering, then are surprised when ads seem psychic.  Or it's coincidence.  But logical brain says there's gotta be a rational reason.

[taufik123]

-snip-
I mean technology sure makes it feel that way sometimes.  but I dont really buy that our phones are spying on us or reading our minds. and  There are just patterns we don't always notice - we search for something earlier without remembering, then are surprised when ads seem psychic.  Or it's coincidence.  But logical brain says there's gotta be a rational reason.

The increasing sophistication of technology makes it all make sense.
Our phones are the source of everything and whatever you search for or type is recorded and processed to display everything you need.

Since your phone uses Google as the main account, everything will be recorded there.
including where you last located and what you're looking for.
It will also be tailored to the content and needs you are looking for.
Nothing is accidental, everything comes about and happens because you think and type it on your phone.

You just need to turn the Access & control activity on or on feature
https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/7028918?hl=id&co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid

[serveria.com]

There's a more obvious and logical explanation: the guy had been GPS tracked to the shop and inside the shop. In my case, it's really not that obvious. I have no idea how they found out about that defective part (read my post above) as I wasn't on the phone with anyone, the camera wasn't functioning as the phone was in my pocket. I also didn't communicate with anyone while on premises. What kind of black magic is that? 

There's probably a reasonable explanation here too.  I bet you googled it or texted someone about it and just forgot.  If not, then we're getting into real conspiracy theory territory where, like in Orwell's 1984, big brother is always watching us. 

I mean technology sure makes it feel that way sometimes.  but I dont really buy that our phones are spying on us or reading our minds. and  There are just patterns we don't always notice - we search for something earlier without remembering, then are surprised when ads seem psychic.  Or it's coincidence.  But logical brain says there's gotta be a rational reason.

I'm pretty sure I didn't. I swear I didn't even know what that spare part was called until I saw the ads. Frankly, I still don't know what it's called even now. It's some kind of a plastic housing with high pressure hose connections. How could I google it? I'd really like to know how they're doing it...

[icalical]

Though I agree that this is still an unconfirmed conspiracy theory, but I have read some articles related to this phenomena more than one year ago, now I am not sure if this is the exactly same article but this is the talking about the same thing https://www.narcity.com/why-you-keep-getting-ads-for-things-youve-talked-about-but-havent-searched-up-online

There is actually some free mobile games on playstore/appstore that has an implemented software to listen to our conversation, and the player mostly granted access to the mic because they need to use the in-game voice chat features. Other explanation is that the they combine data and algorythm like they know that you own a car, and the algorythm approximating when you need to get a new car key.

[serveria.com]

Though I agree that this is still an unconfirmed conspiracy theory, but I have read some articles related to this phenomena more than one year ago, now I am not sure if this is the exactly same article but this is the talking about the same thing https://www.narcity.com/why-you-keep-getting-ads-for-things-youve-talked-about-but-havent-searched-up-online

There is actually some free mobile games on playstore/appstore that has an implemented software to listen to our conversation, and the player mostly granted access to the mic because they need to use the in-game voice chat features. Other explanation is that the they combine data and algorythm like they know that you own a car, and the algorythm approximating when you need to get a new car key.

Yes, but I've never played games on my phone. There are no games installed and the phone is after a factory reset.

Besides, I don't own the car as mentioned in my previous posts, the owner just handed me the key and I was holding it in my hands for some time that's it. I have no info on whether the key was indeed not functioning as intended. So yeah, there are more questions than answers here. 

[slapper]

I don't know about whether or nor our smartphones are recording us. I usually hate wearing my smartphone in my pockets and I don't keep my smartphone turned on for very long periods of time. You can do an experiment to prove your theory. Talk about something in front of your smartphone and then do a Google search(or Bing search) about the thing you talked about.

It's true that it's likely not wise to "trust" your smartphone but I don't think we can jump into the conclusion that devices are actively listening on us at all times. It is definitely possible but I can see it more likely to be targeted and not used on the masses because of the inherent risks for the party doing it incase it's revealed.

What I personally think is that people underestimate the vast amount of information that can be inferred by what you and your friends/family do online. Just by browsing something, the advertisers can infer another, seemingly unrelated thing about it. That's more likely how these suggestions come to be. You also need to understand that it's not just your personal activity online. If someone you know has let a social media platform access to their contacts, that means you will be easily connected to that person too.

There's so much information that can be gathered and inferred indirectly without the need for spying directly. The problem is that a lot of the "spying" is perfectly legal.

Today's internet exchanges are closely examined. This is advanced behavioral prediction, not observation. Companies are monitoring not only what we do but also why and what we might do next. Despite our online activity being deciphered, Bitcoin stands out. It signals a move toward private, controlled finance. Bitcoin challenges online transparency. It provides some privacy in a world when our every move is tracked and analyzed

Consider the legality and ethics of this'spying.' A complex web of legal and moral issues. However, Bitcoin triumphs here again. It represents a growing financial privacy and autonomy movement, not merely a digital asset. Bitcoin is a beacon of financial self-determination in a data-driven world. Not just its value, but the values it embodies. In this age of digital scrutiny, Bitcoin is more than a financial option

[Argoo]

I don't agree that we are being "spied" by Google, Meta and Microsoft. By using those platforms, we are giving our permission for our data to be used for marketing purposes. It's not spying if you are aware that your online behavior is being tracked. Spying is only when you don't know.
I don't know about whether or nor our smartphones are recording us. I usually hate wearing my smartphone in my pockets and I don't keep my smartphone turned on for very long periods of time. You can do an experiment to prove your theory. Talk about something in front of your smartphone and then do a Google search(or Bing search) about the thing you talked about.

Users of social networks give permission to collect and analyze general information about them, but we do not know whether this collected information is being used in good faith, or whether additional information is being collected that we would not like to make public. And this is definitely happening. Today's technological devices provide us with much more convenience, but they take away our privacy.

[Natsuu]

I dont think they’re eavesdropping. I thought about that too and I thought that maybe they just know the pattern of my vibe from online stuff or I may not know it but I am already browsing the thing that I want. It's understandable to feel concerned, but it's more likely that targeted ads are based on your online activity and preferences rather than direct audio or video surveillance. Ad algorithms analyze various data points to personalize content I really think thats scary. Thats why we should be careful online.

[South Park]

I dont think they’re eavesdropping. I thought about that too and I thought that maybe they just know the pattern of my vibe from online stuff or I may not know it but I am already browsing the thing that I want. It's understandable to feel concerned, but it's more likely that targeted ads are based on your online activity and preferences rather than direct audio or video surveillance. Ad algorithms analyze various data points to personalize content I really think thats scary. Thats why we should be careful online.

It is true that a lot can be inferred from the information that you willingly give to those companies, similar to what happens when you watch a movie in an app and then you get a bunch of movies recommended to you that other people liked, so the more data you give to the app the more accurate accurate can be the predictions of your tastes, however when there is such a timely response on their part for something you have never expressed any desire and suddenly it appears out of nowhere being recommended to you, this makes me think there are grounds to think that they are going further on their search for more data than what we have agreed on their TOS.