Is your phone listening to everything you say? It’s complicated
Recently, I received a flood of questions after a caller named Linda shared a disturbing experience on my national radio show. She was shopping at Walmart, browsing kitchen knives, and later received an email advertising the exact knives she had been looking at. Linda insisted that she never searched for knives online, leading many listeners to ponder the eerie connection between her physical shopping experience and the targeted digital advertisement she received.
As a tech expert, I can shed some light on what really happened in Linda’s case. While it may seem like her phone was listening to her conversations, the reality is a bit more complex. Our smartphones are constantly collecting data, including our location through GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth signals. When Linda connected to Walmart’s Wi-Fi or had Bluetooth enabled while in the store, retailers could track her movements and know her exact location within the store.
This data is then sold to ad networks, which work with data brokers to obtain email addresses and target specific individuals with personalized advertisements. In Linda’s case, this is how the knife company was able to send her an email showcasing the knives she had been considering. Additionally, popular apps like Facebook, Instagram, Google, and even weather apps track your location in the background and use that information to serve you targeted ads.
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in advertising further amplifies this targeted approach. Linda may now start seeing ads for related kitchen items like cutlery, charcuterie boards, and cooking classes, all stemming from her initial interest in kitchen knives. This is how AI-driven advertising expands on one interest and delves into related categories to entice consumers.
To protect your privacy and limit the tracking of your online activities, there are several steps you can take. Start by regularly clearing your digital breadcrumbs by logging out of accounts while shopping and using private or incognito browsing windows. Additionally, manage location tracking by disabling it for retail apps, turning off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when not in use, and avoiding public Wi-Fi networks where retailers may track your visits.
Adjusting your ad settings on platforms like Google, Facebook, Instagram, and Amazon can help reduce the personalization of ads you see. Reviewing app permissions and limiting microphone access for apps that don’t require it can also enhance your privacy. Remember, the goal of retailers, advertisers, and data brokers is to encourage you to spend money, so staying vigilant about your online privacy is crucial.
If you’re looking to upgrade your tech knowledge and stay informed on the latest trends, I recommend tuning into my show for expert advice on navigating the digital landscape. Stay tech-smart and protect your privacy by taking control of your online presence.
