Google Really is Listening

It has been alleged by users of Chromium that Google has, without consent, tapped into conversations on connected microphones through a ‘black box’ of code.



According to Bitedefender's HotForSecurity blog, it is downloaded to enable a feature that activates a search function when you say “OK, Google,” but the code appears to have enabled eavesdropping on conversations prior to this to hear the phrase.

While Google Chrome users also claim the software can transmit audio data back to Google, the company says the code was not activated.

If you want to check and see if it is activated you can enter chrome://voicesearch/ in a Chrome browser tab and you will see what is shown below. From there you can get an initial idea if it is activated or not.



You can should also change your browser permissions to plug up any potential eavesdropping by doing the following:

Click the Chrome menu on the browser toolbar.

Select Settings.

Click Show advanced settings.

In the “Privacy” section, click Content settings.

In the “Media” section you can decide between allowing access by notification only or having none at all.