Staff Reports
Google, one of the largest companies in the world, is under fire for recording people’s voices without their knowledge to help target them with ads. The tech giant has been storing audio recordings from web and app activity, as well as sound recorded using Search, Assistant, and Maps. Google claims it uses these recordings to improve its audio recognition technologies and services, but many users are concerned about their privacy being compromised.
Report: @Google Can Record Your Voice – How to Switch Feature Off via @WestJournalism https://t.co/xrCgg535bl
— Kenny, USA Patriot (@kennethy69) May 13, 2024
Although some users have taken legal action against Google for these recordings, the company typically prevails in court due to its terms and services agreements, which disclose the practice of saving and sharing recordings. However, there are methods to disable these recording capabilities to protect privacy. Tech expert Jeffrey Castillo shared a video on Instagram detailing how users can turn off the function in their Google Account settings.
By navigating to the “Data and Privacy” tab and selecting the “Web & App activity” section, users can opt out of audio recordings being saved to their Google Account. It’s important to note that turning off these features does not erase past data, so users may need to take additional steps to delete their previous audio activity. As other big tech companies also utilize voice data for marketing purposes, it’s crucial for users to take steps to protect their privacy, such as turning off location services and using virus and malware detection apps.
The debate around the use of voice data for advertising and the potential privacy concerns it raises continues to be a topic of interest. While these recordings may have practical uses for users, safeguarding personal data is paramount. The growing reliance on technology in our daily lives underscores the importance of understanding and controlling the data being collected and utilized by tech companies.
Taking proactive measures to protect personal data and being mindful of the privacy implications of using voice-activated applications is crucial in today’s digital landscape. With the 2024 election looming, the need to safeguard privacy and ensure transparency in data collection practices has become increasingly significant. It’s essential for users to stay informed and take steps to protect their privacy in an era of rapidly advancing technology.
