A woman has shared her unsettling experience of receiving targeted advertisements for sunglasses she had lost, prompting suspicions of surveillance through smartphone eavesdropping. Emily Thomson recounted how she misplaced her beloved Messy Weekend sunglasses at a family barbecue and sought help from friends and family to locate them. Despite never searching online for replacement sunglasses, Emily noticed adverts for the same brand appearing on her social media feeds shortly after.
The 27-year-old from Norwich expressed her unease at the situation, suggesting her phone may have been listening to her conversations to tailor ads. This privacy concern has been an ongoing debate, with tech companies denying the use of smartphone microphones for advertising data. While scepticism lingers, incidents like Emily’s highlight the importance of managing smartphone permissions and settings to protect privacy in the digital age.
Marijus Briedis, Chief Technology Officer at NordVPN, emphasised the need for vigilance in safeguarding online privacy. He advised regular audits of app permissions, cautious use of microphone and location access, encryption of online communications with VPN services, and vigilance against phishing attempts. By implementing these strategies, individuals can enhance their online privacy and security against potential threats to personal data.
As consumers grow increasingly aware of privacy risks in the digital realm, Emily’s experience serves as a reminder for users to take proactive steps in managing their digital footprint and safeguarding their personal information. In an era where convenience often comes at the expense of privacy, understanding and controlling digital privacy settings are crucial for maintaining a sense of control over one’s online presence.