Do you really know? Are our phones really eavesdropping on us?
Mar 19, 2026
They explore why ads sometimes mirror private conversations and whether phones are secretly listening. The discussion covers voice assistants staying in standby and how to disable microphone listening. Claims that apps eavesdrop and share background audio are examined. The episode also looks at what evidence exists and why companies might collect voice data.
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Eerie Dinner Conversation Followed By Targeted Ads
- Joseph Chance recounts a dinner conversation about needing a new computer that was followed by ads for computers the next day.
- The story illustrates the common feeling that phones 'hear' offline conversations when targeted ads appear without prior searches.
Voice Assistants Listen In Standby Mode
- Joseph Chance explains voice assistants like Siri, Alexa and Google Assistant keep microphones on standby and can record when activated.
- This standby listening is common across platforms but can be disabled in device settings to stop passive activation.
Claims That Apps Eavesdrop Are Unproven
- Joseph Chance cites cybersecurity expert Daniel Markerson claiming apps may eavesdrop on background noise to collect data and share it with other devices.
- The episode notes these specific claims remain unsubstantiated as of the broadcast.