Important! Protect Your Privacy from Google. Here's How
OK Google
- In this digital era, technology is developing rapidly, providing convenience and comfort in everyday life. However, these developments also bring new challenges, especially related to privacy. One issue that is often of concern is the possibility of Google listening to our conversations via smartphones. This article will discuss the importance of protecting your privacy and how to do it.
Why is Digital Privacy Important?
Digital privacy is the right of individuals to safeguard their personal data from unauthorized access. In the context of smartphone use, digital privacy includes information collected by applications and hardware, including voice recordings. Maintaining privacy is important to prevent misuse of data which can cause financial and emotional harm.
How Can Google Listen?
Google Assistant, Google's virtual assistant, is designed to listen for keywords like "OK Google" or "Hey Google" to initiate interactions. When it detects the keyword, the microphone on the smartphone will activate and start recording sound to understand the user's commands.
However, many are concerned that this microphone may be always on and listening to conversations without the user's knowledge. Google claims that voice data is only processed and stored after detecting keywords, but several incidents suggest that devices may hear more than intended.
Latest Statistical Data and Findings
According to a report from Privacy International in 2023, as many as 70% of smartphone users did not know that their devices might be listening to their conversations. Additionally, a survey by the Pew Research Center that same year revealed that 52% of users felt concerned about their privacy regarding the use of virtual assistants.