Have you ever been in a conversation with someone about a product, show, or service, only to see an ad for that exact thing pop up on your Facebook or Instagram feed shortly after? This is a common occurrence for millions of people worldwide, leading many to question whether Facebook is listening in on their conversations and spying on them.
Tyler Mears, a woman living in Wales, experienced this firsthand on multiple occasions. After having casual conversations with her partner and colleagues about a female urination device, she was targeted with an ad for the product. Despite never researching or looking up the item online, the ad appeared on her feed shortly after the conversation.
Mears also had a conversation with her partner about a video she received from a colleague, which showed a man attempting to stab a police officer while being arrested. They discussed how lucky the officer was to be wearing a stab-proof vest. Later that night, Mears was shocked to see an ad for a stab-proof vest on her Facebook feed.
These occurrences have led to increasing concerns about Facebook’s data privacy policies and whether the company is engaging in unethical practices. While Facebook denies listening to user conversations, the frequency of targeted ads based on conversations has left many skeptical. As technology continues to advance, it is important to consider the potential consequences and implications of giving companies access to personal information.
The belief that Facebook and Instagram are using our mobile devices’ microphones to listen to our conversations and target ads is a persistent rumor that has been circulating for several years. However, Facebook executives have consistently denied the allegations since 2016.
During a Senate hearing in 2018, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg was asked directly whether the company uses audio obtained from mobile devices to enrich personal information about users. He unequivocally answered no. Despite these repeated denials, the conspiracy theory persists, and many people still believe that Facebook is listening in on their conversations.
Instagram executive Adam Mosseri has also denied these allegations, stating that the company does not look at users’ messages or listen to their microphones. He acknowledged that it would be problematic for a variety of reasons and that many people would not believe him.
While it is easy to assume that these executives are not being truthful, the reality is that wiretapping users would be both illegal and impractical. It would require storing a massive amount of data and using sophisticated software to analyze the minutiae of human speech and discern what is important and what is not.
So, how do you explain the appearance of ads on your Facebook or Instagram feed for products or services that you were only discussing in passing with friends? According to Jamie Court, the president of the Los Angeles-based Consumer Watchdog nonprofit, “Facebook is eavesdropping on you, but it’s just in a different way.”
In reality, Facebook uses a vast amount of data to create detailed profiles of its users, including their interests, behavior, and online activity. This data is then used to target ads to users who are likely to be interested in specific products or services. While this may seem invasive, it is not illegal, and Facebook’s policies are clear about how user data is collected and used.
As technology continues to progress at a breakneck pace, it is crucial to comprehend the potential repercussions of providing businesses with our personal information. Despite the unlikelihood of Facebook using our phone microphones to eavesdrop on our conversations, the reality is that the platform has access to a considerable amount of data that can be utilized to customize ads and shape our online experiences.
In an era of rapidly evolving technology, it is imperative to comprehend the potential ramifications of allowing companies to access our personal data. Although it is improbable that Facebook is eavesdropping on our conversations through our mobile devices’ microphones, the platform’s data collection methods have become highly intricate and advanced. Facebook’s advertising targeting techniques have become so precise that it creates a sense of being monitored at all times. The platform’s ability to analyze user data with such accuracy makes it appear as if it has constant surveillance on our actions.
According to Same Lavigne, a Brooklyn-based artist who explores the intersection of technology and society, Facebook has ways of gathering information about us that we do not fully understand yet. Despite this, Facebook does offer an explanation for how it targets ads through its “why you’re seeing this ad” feature, which can be accessed by clicking the three dots in the top right-hand corner of the Facebook ads menu.
Basically, companies have specific target audiences that they want to advertise to, such as “women over 18 living in Los Angeles”. If you fall into that category, you might see their ad on your feed. However, Facebook’s algorithm goes beyond that.
For example, let’s say you are talking to a friend who also falls into that category, and she has already interacted with that ad or even purchased the product. Facebook’s algorithm will detect that you are with that friend and knows what else you have in common, such as owning a dog. If you post a picture of the two of you with your dogs, that is even more fuel for the algorithm to determine that you might be interested in the same product.
With all this information, Facebook confirms that you are a potential customer for the company in question and sends you the ad. Although this intricate and precise system of data collection may seem like Facebook is spying on your conversation, it is simply an algorithm utilizing the data it has gathered about you to provide a personalized experience. As Facebook continues to evolve and improve its ad-targeting methods, it is essential to remain aware of the potential implications of granting companies access to our personal information.
According to Phil Lieberman, a veteran in the tech industry, Facebook’s artificial intelligence (AI) engine uses textual and visual data that you provide to determine your intentions. This information helps Facebook to identify products and services that you may be interested in purchasing. Facebook’s system operates like “recommender systems,” similar to those offered by Amazon, but Facebook has more information on an ongoing basis to determine your preferences.
By liking, commenting, or tagging your friends in posts or statuses, you provide Facebook with more information that can be used to serve you ads. The company admits to collecting “content, communications, and other information” that you interact with, including photos, videos, accounts, hashtags, and groups you follow. Additionally, Facebook can track your activity on any website or app that uses Facebook plugins, logins, and widgets. If you have ever used your Facebook account to sign in to a website, subscribe to an email, make a purchase, or get a coupon, Facebook collects that data.
Moreover, Facebook can track your location if you give permission, even when the app is closed. However, it may not be apparent that you have given your permission. For example, when you are about to post something on Facebook or Instagram and a pop-up window appears encouraging you to “Turn on Location Services” to automatically tag your city, if you select yes, you have granted permission for Facebook to track your location.
In the present-day scenario, it is almost impossible to evade the tracking and collection of personal data by different corporations, and Facebook is no exception. Nevertheless, there are certain measures that you can adopt to limit the extent of information available with Facebook. One approach is to modify your Facebook Ad Preferences by accessing the “Ads” section. Here, you can precisely adjust the information that is shared with advertisers. Although this does not put a complete halt to data collection, it surely minimizes the amount of data that companies and brands have access to. However, it is vital to acknowledge that limiting the data will not prevent you from receiving ads, and you will still be targeted based on demographic information, including age, gender, and location.
Another way to limit Facebook’s tracking is by denying location data access. By clicking the “Manage Settings” tab on the app, you can set the location tracking to “Never.” However, even with these settings in place, a significant amount of your data and information can still be collected. Facebook explains on its FAQ page that they may still be able to understand your location through check-ins, events, and internet connection information.
It’s not just Facebook that’s collecting your data though. Some gaming apps like “Pool 3D,” “Beer Pong: Trickshot,” and “Real Bowling Strike 10 Pin” also track user information to target ads. These apps use a software called Alphonso to track user viewing habits. While Alphonso does use your microphone, it only does so to identify audio signals in TV ads and shows. Alphonso claims that they do not record human speech and cannot access user locations or microphones without permission. Users can also opt out of this tracking at any time.
So, while Facebook may not be “spying” on you in the traditional sense, it’s still important to understand that your data is being collected. If you’re uncomfortable with the amount of information being tracked, your best bet is to avoid social media altogether. However, if you’re not willing to go that far, it’s important to adjust your settings and limit the information that Facebook and other companies have access to.