Is Google listening? Check your account history now

May 30, 2024

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Some of us are more concerned than others about what our cell phones are listening to and what they might do with that information.

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Advertisers and data brokers know a lot about you… they don’t need to listen to find out your secrets. And yet, you’d better believe it’s happening.

Don’t worry, I care about your security and privacy, as we all know the big tech companies don’t.

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I feel like someone is watching me

Hidden features in your Google Account collect voice recordings from your web and app activity, interactions with digital assistants, and more.

Google says it’s only eavesdropping to listen in on commands and to enhance its marketing efforts, but this privacy breach could raise much bigger problems.

If cybercriminals hack into your Google account or smart devices, they can get hold of any stored audio or voice data, and it all goes bad from there. We’re talking about AI voice clones that could access your sensitive accounts, scam your loved ones, or do even worse.

Google’s voice recording feature still raises significant privacy concerns. (Photo by KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images)

Luckily, there’s a way to stop this madness. Here’s how to block Google from eavesdropping on you.

Digital earmuffs

Google is smart, but you are smarter. To protect your privacy, follow these steps. It’s easy on your smartphone.

open Google Apps On your smartphone.
click Manage your Google Account Select Data and Privacy TabScroll to History Settings.
select Web and App ActivityYou might see a blue check mark next to the Voice and Audio Activity setting. Please uncheck it.

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Now, like magic, voice recordings of your interactions with Google Search, Assistant, and Maps are no longer stored in your Google Account, nor on Google’s servers.

However, this does not erase any previously saved audio recordings, which must be dealt with separately.

Remove one item at a time.

Open your Google Account.
click Data and Privacy.
In History settings, Web and App Activity.
click Manage your activity Check your list of past activity. Items with a microphone icon include recordings.
Next to the item you want to delete moreafter that erase.

Google’s activity controls and data privacy settings allow you to delete collected voice data. (Reuters/Neil Hall)

Delete all items at once:

Open your Google Account.
click Data and Privacy.
In History settings, Web and App Activity.
click Manage your activity Check your list of past activity. Items with a microphone icon include recordings.
On top of the activity eraseafter that Until nowFollow the on-screen instructions.

Note: These steps all Items as well as web and app activity associated with your Google Account, including recordings.

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do not disturb

While you’re there, check out other apps that might be eavesdropping, starting with your iPhone.

Open setting > Privacy and Security > microphone.
On the next screen, review the list of apps. Toggle the switch off Block apps from accessing your microphone.