Smart Devices: Are They Spying On You?

Big Brother in Your Bedroom? What They Don’t Want You To Know About Your “Smart” Devices

Folks, let's talk sense. We've all wondered, haven't we? You're sitting there, minding your own business, talking about needing new tires, and suddenly – bam – you see an ad for tires on your phone. Coincidence? I think not.

Now, the tech companies and the media will tell you it's just “targeted advertising” and that these devices are only listening for a “wake word” – some phrase like “Hey Siri” or “OK Google.” They claim it’s to make your life easier, to respond to your commands. Easier for them, maybe. Easier for you to be tracked and monitored.

The truth is, these devices are listening. They have to be, to activate those voice assistants. But let’s be clear, that’s not all they’re doing. They're collecting data. Every request, every conversation within earshot, is potentially being recorded and analyzed. And while some companies say they don't use it for advertising – a claim I take with a grain of salt, frankly – the potential for misuse is enormous.

We’ve become so reliant on convenience that we’ve willingly invited this surveillance into our homes. It’s a slippery slope, folks. A slippery slope towards a world where privacy is a thing of the past.

But don’t despair. There are things you can do to protect yourself. First, turn off those voice assistants if you don’t need them. Do you really need your refrigerator to respond to your voice? Probably not. Second, go through your phone and review those app permissions. Why does your flashlight app need access to your microphone? Revoke it!

You can also delete your voice request history, keep your software updated (though I question how much good that really does), and even consider using a VPN to encrypt your connection. Some folks are even covering their microphones with tape. It impacts functionality, yes, but sometimes you have to make sacrifices to protect your freedoms.

Look, I’m not saying these devices are inherently evil. But we need to be aware of what we're giving up in exchange for convenience. A little vigilance, a little skepticism, and a lot of common sense can go a long way in protecting your privacy in this increasingly connected world. Don't let Big Tech turn your home into their listening post. It's time we took back control.