Are smartphones really spying on us? Let’s separate fact from fiction

You’ve probably been in this situation before: you’re chatting to a friend about a trip to Barcelona, and a few minutes later, an advert for flight tickets pops up on your phone. Coincidence? Not necessarily… but the reality is more complex than you might think.

At Urbak… this is a question we’re asked very often in-store. So, are smartphones really listening to us? Let’s take a closer look.

Is your phone listening in on all your conversations?

The answer is reassuring: in the vast majority of cases, no.

Continuously recording the conversations of billions of users would require enormous computing power and storage capacity. Major brands such as Apple, Samsung and Google have no interest in doing this, especially as it would be illegal in many countries.

However, your smartphone collects a huge amount of other information.

What your phone already knows about you

Without even listening in on your conversations, your smartphone knows a great deal:

• The places you frequent.
• The websites you visit.
• The videos you’re watching.
• The apps you use.
• The products you’re looking for.
• The times at which you use your phone.

All this data enables us to create a very detailed profile of your habits.

It is often this analysis that gives the impression that your phone can ‘read your mind’.

Why do the adverts seem so targeted?

Advertising platforms use extremely powerful algorithms.

For example:

You’re looking for a pair of trainers online.

A few hours later, Instagram, Facebook or Google show you exactly that model… or a similar one.

It’s not magic: it’s the result of cookies, your browsing history and your interests.

Apps sometimes require a lot of permissions

When you install an app, it may request access to:

• Your camera.
• Your microphone.
• Your GPS location.
• Your contacts.
• Your photos.

Some authorisations are required, but others are not always necessary.

It’s a good idea to regularly check the permissions granted in your smartphone’s settings.

How can you protect your privacy?

A few simple steps can help you better protect your data:

• Check app permissions.
• Turn off the microphone or location services for apps that don’t need them.
• Please install the security updates.
• Please use a strong password or biometric authentication.
• Only download apps from official app stores.

These practices significantly reduce privacy risks.

At Urbak, we also help you keep your smartphone secure

A high-performance phone is good. A secure phone is even better.

At UrbakWe help our customers set up their smartphones, protect their data and repair their devices should any problems arise.

We can also advise you on privacy settings, backups and choosing a new phone to suit your needs.

In conclusion

Your smartphone probably isn’t spying on you the way it’s portrayed in films. However, it does collect a great deal of information, which you often consent to without realising it.

Taking a few minutes to check your privacy settings can make a real difference.

And if you’re unsure about your phone, pop into Urbak. Our team will be delighted to advise you and help you use your smartphone with complete peace of mind.