Terms of Service with Clare Duffy Why It Feels Like Your Phone Is Listening to You
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Nov 19, 2024 David Choffnes, an associate professor at Northeastern University specializing in data privacy, dives deep into the eerie sensation that our devices might be eavesdropping. He debunks the myth of smartphones secretly listening to us, clarifying that targeted ads stem from data collection based on our online behavior, not audio recordings. Choffnes discusses the role of data brokers, privacy risks, and ethical concerns surrounding pervasive data collection, while providing practical tips to safeguard personal privacy in the digital age.
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The Broccolini Incident
- Clare Duffy heard her husband discuss substituting broccoli for broccolini in a recipe.
- The next day, she received an ad for that specific recipe, making her feel uneasy.
Phones Aren't Listening (Mostly)
- David Choffnes's research reveals that phones aren't recording conversations for ad targeting.
- Targeted ads are based on readily available extensive online data.
Data Collection Scope
- Companies gather immense amounts of user data.
- This includes search histories, social connections, and even friends' and family's interests.