The option you should disable now on your mobile phone: It records and listens to everything you say 24/7
Today, smartphones provide us with unparalleled convenience thanks to the functions that make everyday tasks easier. From organizing your schedule to performing quick searches, these tools are undoubtedly very useful. However, they are also a double-edged sword.
What may seem like a simple convenience feature can end up compromising your privacy in ways you may not have thought of. One of the features that’s been the subject of the most controversy in this regard is Google Assistant .
This assistant is essential for many tasks, as you can ask it to show you the weather, remember your appointments, or control the devices in your home. But according to cybersecurity experts, using it could seriously compromise your data security.
The Hidden Danger of Google Assistant
While this virtual assistant allows us to perform actions quickly and easily simply by using our voices, it also raises serious privacy concerns. Because? The answer lies in its functionality.
Your device's microphone stays active even when you're not interacting with it directly. This means it could be recording conversations in the background without you realizing it.
Although companies like Google ensure that these recordings are only used to improve the service and are not stored on external servers, the possibility of someone accessing them without your consent is undoubtedly worrying.
If you value your privacy and are concerned that your conversations are being listened to without your permission, it's time to take action.
There are three options available to protect you from this situation and prevent hackers from accessing your data.
1. Deactivate Google Assistant : The first is to deactivate Google Assistant entirely from your device’s settings. Doing this will prevent the Assistant from keeping the microphone active at all times.
2. Delete the app : If you want to go further, the second option is to delete the Google Assistant app, if you don’t consider it necessary. This will ensure that the Assistant doesn’t run in the background.
3. Block the microphone : The third, less drastic option is to block access to the microphone for Google Assistant when you're not using it, which will limit its ability to record conversations without your permission.
While virtual assistants like Google Assistant and Gemini offer you an unparalleled level of convenience, it’s important to consider the risks they pose to your privacy. By disabling them, you’ll be in control of who can hear and record what you’re saying.