APE NEWS: WALLS NOT LISTENING—BUT STAY VIGILANT!

Are Your Walls Have Ears? Ape News Investigates Smart Device Snooping

By H.R. Rambe, Ape News Staff Writer

For years, a nagging worry has echoed through our homes – are our smart devices listening? Every time you ask your virtual assistant a question, or simply mention a product, do algorithms spring to life, tailoring ads specifically to you? It’s a valid concern, especially as our homes become increasingly connected. Here at Ape News, we decided to dig into the jungle of data to find some answers.

The paranoia isn’t entirely unfounded. Back in 2018, a CBS News investigation sought proof of constant eavesdropping by smartphones. What they found? Surprisingly, no evidence of it. Despite the fears, smartphones weren't demonstrably listening in on every conversation.

Even Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, went on the record, stating his company wasn’t actively listening to users. This doesn’t mean data isn’t collected – it’s a complex issue – but it does challenge the image of a constant, all-encompassing ear.

The situation is more nuanced when it comes to virtual assistants like Google Assistant, Siri, and Alexa. These devices do record audio, but only when activated by a ‘wake word’ – things like “Hey Google” or “Alexa.” However, for a time, that audio wasn’t just processed by machines. Reports surfaced that recordings were being filtered through human listeners, tasked with improving the accuracy of the assistants.

The good news? It appears this practice has largely stopped. Google, Apple, and other tech giants reportedly ceased having humans review audio recordings in 2019. While devices still record when activated, the direct line to a human ear seems to have been cut.

So, are your walls have ears? The evidence suggests your devices aren't constantly listening for every whisper. While past practices regarding human review of recordings were concerning, companies appear to have addressed those issues. However, it’s still important to be mindful of the data you share and to review the privacy settings on all your smart devices. As always, Ape News will continue to monitor the situation and keep you informed.