Facebook Denies Spying Allegations, Does Not Listen Thru Phone’s Microphone

Facebook issued a statement on Thursday, shutting down rumors of spying on users' phones using the microphone. Facebook said that it doesn't listen to users' conversations to offer users relevant advertisements.

The Theory Of Spying On Your Phones

Facebook outright denied spying allegations initiated by Kelli Burns, a professor of mass communications at the University of South Florida. This week, Burns shared with The Independent a theory on how Facebook is spying on its users.

Burns thought that Facebook was secretly listing to its users' conversations, however, she has no evidence to establish the allegations.

The theory may have resulted to the fact that Facebook has access to users' microphone when using the app. Amazon Echo was likewise accused of listening to conversations, a fact that the FBI can neither confirm nor deny.

This theory isn't so farfetched as it seems. In fact, Burns isn't the only one who thought of this possibility. Gizmodo noted an incident in 2015 when a Reddit user intentionally talked about killing a cockroach to his girlfriend over the phone.

He wanted to know if Facebook is indeed spying. He claimed later on that he was shown ads of pest control. However, the Reddit user aggravated the situation by inspiring other theories about Facebook.

Facebook Is Not Spying On You

 According to The Verge, Facebook explained that the ads appearing in the News Feed are based on people's interest and other profile information.

In the statement Facebook released on Thursday, the company clarified that they only have access to the microphone when you give Facebook permission and when you are actively using a feature that requires audio.

Now, this may still question rights to privacy however, users can actually control what Facebook can learn from you. Configure the settings of your phone so Facebook doesn't have access to your microphone.

Did you believe Burns' theory? What do you think of Facebook's explanation? Let us know through your comments below. Meanwhile, check out Burns explanation of Facebook's invasion of privacy.