Apps that you download onto your devices are not always safe.
Just because you only use the official Playstore or App Store does not mean that the App is safe.
As each app is installed onto your device you most often have to accept the settings and privileges for the app to work.
The problem is with many free apps, these privileges and settings can put your privacy at risk.
Reported by the New York Times, it is said that at least two hundred and fifty game apps are using an intrusive type of software from a company known as Alphonso, this software switches on the microphone of your device and listens to everything going on around you.
They say the software only monitors what TV station you are using, it then sells the info to advertising companies, so they can target ads to you depending on your viewing habits. Obviously to do this it is listening to each and every word you and your family say.
Most of the apps are downloaded from the Google Playstore, but some are available on the Apple App Store including the Pool 3D app, the Beer Pong app, the Trickshot app and the Honey Quest app.
To stop these bullshit apps accessing your microphone you can easily deny the permissions to use your microphone by visiting the "Settings Menu" then click "Privacy" on an iPhone.
On an Android device disable it by going to "Settings" then click "Apps and Notifications" then click "App Permissions and Microphone".
Always check what permissions apps ask to use when installing anything on your device, and if you are unsure, do not download or install the app.
This is pretty wild. You mentioned that it was reported in the NYT. Could you link to the source? (I'm new here - I don't know how common source links are in this context.)
Too bad for those app guys - when I watch TV, I'm usually using my headphones. :)
Hi I did not put the link in my post, but I found it for you.
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/28/business/media/alphonso-app-tracking.html
Good write up. I've definitely had it happen where I'm talking about something that I need and then all of a sudden on social media ads I see exactly what I was talking about...
It's always the same on the internet, nothing is free there is always a catch I think.
Yes, that makes perfect sense to be honest. Big brother is always watching/listening.
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