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Audio Spying on Your Computers - Does Facebook LISTEN to us? Be Aware.

 
Anonymous Coward
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11/19/2013 01:25 PM
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Re: Audio Spying on Your Computers - Does Facebook LISTEN to us? Be Aware.
I've seen this happening too. it happens on ALL sites with google ads regardless of visiting facebook.

one day my friend was over talking about avocadoes, then about an hour later every site I went on had subway ads for avocado sandwiches.

it was blatantly obvious to me what was going on.
Anonymous Coward
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11/19/2013 01:26 PM
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Re: Audio Spying on Your Computers - Does Facebook LISTEN to us? Be Aware.
There are also TV's with built in mics & HD cameras capable of face and speech recognition.
Anonymous Coward
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11/19/2013 01:26 PM
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Re: Audio Spying on Your Computers - Does Facebook LISTEN to us? Be Aware.
I noticed this the other day, and went "WTH?".
 Quoting: Ms. Superduper



Bless your heart, I KNEW someone else must be seeing this!!!!

Keep your eye on this with Facebook and see if it seems to be tracking VERBAL conversations you have - NOT WRITTEN STUFF ON THE COMPUTER (like emails and Google searches), and then putting up an ad that relates to it - perhaps pretty directly (i.e, BRAND NAMES).

Keep watching this and tell everyone you know that this might be a possibility and to keep an eye out for this. I know it sounds paranoid but the source that told me is impeccable and insists this has happened several times and about very specific things that could not possibly be coincidences.

I am just trying to see if anyone else has had this experience and to warn people.

Please share. And I love your posts, by the way, Ms. Superduper!!!
 Quoting: mehitable lives


I started noticing this just this past year. Ads coming up based not only on recent searches for something like a new car...and the specific model that we were searching! But like you point out, weird ads for things we had recently discussed but did NOT search on the computer. Keep our laptops, smartphones, etc. out of our common living areas.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 50011564



That's the creepiest part!!! We've gotten to the point where we "accept" being spied on with our phone calls and emails and letters but I don't think people realize that their private VERBAL conversations in their own houses and cars are ALSO being spied on. And we don't even know the full range of devices that might be doing this as it could be MORE than just the computer or the phone. Potentially anything with computer chips could be doing this now, so we really have to be aware of what devices are in the rooms we are in and what range they might have.

Hell, maybe we all need to go back to the 19th century! Carrier pigeons, anyone?
 Quoting: mehitable lives


This could include conversations in your car, especially if you have a newer model vehicle. Hmmmmm....Government Cash for Clunkers...more people needing to buy newer cars.
Anonymous Coward
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11/19/2013 01:27 PM
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Re: Audio Spying on Your Computers - Does Facebook LISTEN to us? Be Aware.
The EXACT thing has happened to me, as well, OP.

I despise Facebook, but I have to use it, unfortunately. (Long story. ;) ) Anyways...Last month, I was speaking to a family member, in my private residence, about a very specific surgical procedure that interested me. I had not searched for it on my computer, nor had I ever posted anything at all (on Facebook or anywhere else, online) that might indicate such an interest. However, when I checked my Facebook account, a little later that day, there were 2 ads for clinics on the side of the page -- ads for that same, very specific procedure that I had only spoken of.

This has happened to me at least one time (that I was aware of) since then, too. damned

Thank you SO much for this thread, OP. I've always known about the privacy dangers related to FB, but I was seriously beginning to think that I was just imagining things or being too paranoid...
Anonymous Coward
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11/19/2013 01:30 PM
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Re: Audio Spying on Your Computers - Does Facebook LISTEN to us? Be Aware.
yes the telescreens are listening, i even got to the point where i wrote out on a piece of paper a certain word, taped it up to the edge of the monitor to see if i could get ads about it just from my thoughts or looking at it, so far no hits.
With all this "smart phone sniffing" and "cloud connectivity", you are apt to get ads from businesses you just happen to walk by, like in Minority Report.
Invalid Username

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11/19/2013 01:31 PM
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I don't know what you mean, because I don't get any ads on facebook.
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mehitable lives  (OP)

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11/19/2013 01:33 PM
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Re: Audio Spying on Your Computers - Does Facebook LISTEN to us? Be Aware.
The EXACT thing has happened to me, as well, OP.

I despise Facebook, but I have to use it, unfortunately. (Long story. ;) ) Anyways...Last month, I was speaking to a family member, in my private residence, about a very specific surgical procedure that interested me. I had not searched for it on my computer, nor had I ever posted anything at all (on Facebook or anywhere else, online) that might indicate such an interest. However, when I checked my Facebook account, a little later that day, there were 2 ads for clinics on the side of the page -- ads for that same, very specific procedure that I had only spoken of.

This has happened to me at least one time (that I was aware of) since then, too. damned

Thank you SO much for this thread, OP. I've always known about the privacy dangers related to FB, but I was seriously beginning to think that I was just imagining things or being too paranoid...
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 47730593




My dear friend, that is why I wanted to ask people about this topic and see what experiences they have - because each of us may see this and think that WE'RE having some kind of weird experience when it's becoming a GENERAL, SOCIETAL experience that we are all sharing! MANY people apparently are seeing this and we need to talk about this, share our experiences, let others know, and figure out how to fight this spying. WE ARE FREE MEN AND WOMEN - NOT CATTLE OR SLAVES!!!! And while they can try to treat us like that, we don't have to accept it!!!

Thank you for sharing with us, and keep telling others. Show them this and other threads apparently here on GLP about this spying. Sooner or later, they will see it for themselves. Just as they have with everything else. The system is so rotted that they can no longer lie their way out of everything - we all KNOW they're lying. The question is: do we continue to pretend we believe them?
2012Portal
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11/19/2013 01:33 PM

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Re: Audio Spying on Your Computers - Does Facebook LISTEN to us? Be Aware.
Theoretically, everything said (vibrated) could be recorded as in ala Testa like technology.
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Anonymous Coward
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11/19/2013 01:33 PM
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I don't know what you mean, because I don't get any ads on facebook.
 Quoting: Invalid Username


I don't get any ads on Facebook either because I don't use Facebook.
Dace

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11/19/2013 01:33 PM
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Re: Audio Spying on Your Computers - Does Facebook LISTEN to us? Be Aware.
One of the largest market chains in the UK is currently installing shitloads of facial recognition cameras and software.

for *ahem*...'ads'...that would bombard you with info based on your appearance, sex, and age.

I'm SURE that's all it's for ....LOL

Wouldn't be surprised if it's standard install crap for windows and mac....
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11/19/2013 01:33 PM
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Hmm...I honestly have never really looked at the ads....but I will now. I'll update later.
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mehitable lives  (OP)

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11/19/2013 01:34 PM
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Re: Audio Spying on Your Computers - Does Facebook LISTEN to us? Be Aware.
I don't know what you mean, because I don't get any ads on facebook.
 Quoting: Invalid Username



I can't help you there as I don't use FB so I don't know what's on there, but I have been told this and many people are confirming it. Apparently it's also happening on other sites so you might keep your eye on those programs where you DO get commercials.
Anonymous Coward
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11/19/2013 01:36 PM
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Re: Audio Spying on Your Computers - Does Facebook LISTEN to us? Be Aware.
Not just fb any mic on a smart device can be used if they are interested in ya.
BringOnTheDoom

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11/19/2013 01:38 PM
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Re: Audio Spying on Your Computers - Does Facebook LISTEN to us? Be Aware.
I always keep my webcam covered with a piece of paper when I'm not using it. Not much you can do about sound, though.
Anonymous Coward
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11/19/2013 01:39 PM
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Re: Audio Spying on Your Computers - Does Facebook LISTEN to us? Be Aware.
I've already noticed this but it wasn't on FaceCrack. I think other sources do this too.

Turn your sound off, put a sticker over your webcam.
Anonymous Coward
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11/19/2013 01:42 PM
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Re: Audio Spying on Your Computers - Does Facebook LISTEN to us? Be Aware.
this is 100% truth. manually turn off your mic and camera, you don't need them anyway.
mehitable lives  (OP)

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11/19/2013 01:44 PM
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Re: Audio Spying on Your Computers - Does Facebook LISTEN to us? Be Aware.
Theoretically, everything said (vibrated) could be recorded as in ala Testa like technology.
 Quoting: 2012Portal



Unfortunately it's not theoretical anymore. But even if that's true....the problem is that our corporatist government has erected a massive system that enables them to record, collect and USE this data, whenever THEY want to, for whatever purpose THEY want to. It's one thing for something to be physically possible....it's another to create an entire system that revolves around doing it.
mehitable lives  (OP)

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11/19/2013 01:46 PM
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Re: Audio Spying on Your Computers - Does Facebook LISTEN to us? Be Aware.
this is 100% truth. manually turn off your mic and camera, you don't need them anyway.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 47872955



That's true and a good idea, but I also want people to consider that ANYTHING WITH A COMPUTER CHIP IN IT, could be used to spy on us, including the basic mechanics of our new TVs, appliances, cars....we don't know the full extent of what spying is even possible now. I focus on the Facebook thing because...it's easily confirmed. But what if they're able to spy on us with things that are not obvious and that don't try to sell things to us? We have to be wary of ANYTHING that has computer chips in it!
Anonymous Coward
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11/19/2013 01:47 PM
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Re: Audio Spying on Your Computers - Does Facebook LISTEN to us? Be Aware.
You dumbasses with your Facebook bullshit again.FFS
Anonymous Coward
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11/19/2013 01:47 PM
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Re: Audio Spying on Your Computers - Does Facebook LISTEN to us? Be Aware.
what about these pop-up audio ads that turn you speakers back on every time you mute them.


wtf
Anonymous Coward
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11/19/2013 01:48 PM
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Re: Audio Spying on Your Computers - Does Facebook LISTEN to us? Be Aware.
this is 100% truth. manually turn off your mic and camera, you don't need them anyway.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 47872955



That's true and a good idea, but I also want people to consider that ANYTHING WITH A COMPUTER CHIP IN IT, could be used to spy on us, including the basic mechanics of our new TVs, appliances, cars....we don't know the full extent of what spying is even possible now. I focus on the Facebook thing because...it's easily confirmed. But what if they're able to spy on us with things that are not obvious and that don't try to sell things to us? We have to be wary of ANYTHING that has computer chips in it!
 Quoting: mehitable lives


washers, dryers, microwaves, alarm cocks, stereos, i-pods, coffepots.
Chrewman

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11/19/2013 01:50 PM
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Re: Audio Spying on Your Computers - Does Facebook LISTEN to us? Be Aware.
I don't anything about motherboards in PCs, so can't say
if this is possible. What I means is, you may not need
a mic hooked up for folks to listen in.
Speakers can be used as a mic. Knowing the principal behind this, we were laying the vocals over a tune we cut in a hotel room one night and didn't have a mic. I jacked the headphones
into the mic port, did a testing 123, and we laid the vocals
down using headphones as a mic. It worked flawlessly.
Anonymous Coward
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11/19/2013 01:51 PM
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Re: Audio Spying on Your Computers - Does Facebook LISTEN to us? Be Aware.
People still use facebook?
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 46124531
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11/19/2013 01:52 PM
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Re: Audio Spying on Your Computers - Does Facebook LISTEN to us? Be Aware.
what I would like to know is why does the Amazon.com website now "flicker" and "reload" endlessly when you are logged in. Same thing goes with Microsoft's Outlook.com webmail site....
mehitable lives  (OP)

User ID: 7505052
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11/19/2013 01:54 PM
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Re: Audio Spying on Your Computers - Does Facebook LISTEN to us? Be Aware.
I don't anything about motherboards in PCs, so can't say
if this is possible. What I means is, you may not need
a mic hooked up for folks to listen in.
Speakers can be used as a mic. Knowing the principal behind this, we were laying the vocals over a tune we cut in a hotel room one night and didn't have a mic. I jacked the headphones
into the mic port, did a testing 123, and we laid the vocals
down using headphones as a mic. It worked flawlessly.
 Quoting: Chrewman



Wow, that's really impressive - and very clever! I guess we have to be aware of the double edged sword of our technology. Of course, the real problem is not the technology per se, but the government/corporate structure that abuses us and destroys our privacy through abusing the technology. THE SPYING NEEDS TO STOP. Look at how the elites all around the world squawk when they think it's THEM that's being spied on! Nobody likes this - nobody wants it! Even the idiots who support the NSA and other black ops groups no doubt think (incorrectly) that they're "immune" or above it all....but wait till they find out differently.

The system is rotted to the core.
Anonymous Coward
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11/19/2013 01:59 PM
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Re: Audio Spying on Your Computers - Does Facebook LISTEN to us? Be Aware.
this is 100% truth. manually turn off your mic and camera, you don't need them anyway.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 47872955



That's true and a good idea, but I also want people to consider that ANYTHING WITH A COMPUTER CHIP IN IT, could be used to spy on us, including the basic mechanics of our new TVs, appliances, cars....we don't know the full extent of what spying is even possible now. I focus on the Facebook thing because...it's easily confirmed. But what if they're able to spy on us with things that are not obvious and that don't try to sell things to us? We have to be wary of ANYTHING that has computer chips in it!
 Quoting: mehitable lives


washers, dryers, microwaves, alarm cocks, stereos, i-pods, coffepots.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 7381677


Yes, any electronic device but in order to do something with that information it would have to connected to the Internet either wired or wireless unless someone if coming along and downloading data from it in person.
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 22437810
United States
11/19/2013 02:10 PM
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Re: Audio Spying on Your Computers - Does Facebook LISTEN to us? Be Aware.
this is 100% truth. manually turn off your mic and camera, you don't need them anyway.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 47872955



That's true and a good idea, but I also want people to consider that ANYTHING WITH A COMPUTER CHIP IN IT, could be used to spy on us, including the basic mechanics of our new TVs, appliances, cars....we don't know the full extent of what spying is even possible now. I focus on the Facebook thing because...it's easily confirmed. But what if they're able to spy on us with things that are not obvious and that don't try to sell things to us? We have to be wary of ANYTHING that has computer chips in it!
 Quoting: mehitable lives


washers, dryers, microwaves, alarm cocks, stereos, i-pods, coffepots.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 7381677


Yes, any electronic device but in order to do something with that information it would have to connected to the Internet either wired or wireless unless someone if coming along and downloading data from it in person.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 4396096


information can be transmitted and received over electrical lines.
mehitable lives  (OP)

User ID: 7505052
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11/19/2013 02:10 PM
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Re: Audio Spying on Your Computers - Does Facebook LISTEN to us? Be Aware.
this is 100% truth. manually turn off your mic and camera, you don't need them anyway.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 47872955



That's true and a good idea, but I also want people to consider that ANYTHING WITH A COMPUTER CHIP IN IT, could be used to spy on us, including the basic mechanics of our new TVs, appliances, cars....we don't know the full extent of what spying is even possible now. I focus on the Facebook thing because...it's easily confirmed. But what if they're able to spy on us with things that are not obvious and that don't try to sell things to us? We have to be wary of ANYTHING that has computer chips in it!
 Quoting: mehitable lives


washers, dryers, microwaves, alarm cocks, stereos, i-pods, coffepots.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 7381677


Yes, any electronic device but in order to do something with that information it would have to connected to the Internet either wired or wireless unless someone if coming along and downloading data from it in person.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 4396096




that's quite a list of things, and I never would have thought of them! But with Wifi, maybe we're not really sure of what actually IS connected to the Internet (or whatever the govt is using) at any point! I've heard talk recently that they may come out with light bulbs that have Wifi built in so maybe there is already technology out there (or out there soon) with non-obvious connectivity. Something that might be...in the air, so to speak, rather than something we all individually need to turn on.

I think the core here is that we can't eliminate all the technology (nor would we want to) but we have to change the psychology in our government/corporate world that allows them to think they CAN and SHOULD be able to do this. This kind of thing should be as unthinkable as walking naked down the street....we could all do it I guess, but who really wants to. Spying must become UNTHINKABLE and something the people simply won't accept or permit as the attitude precedes the technology.
dmadchattr

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11/19/2013 02:21 PM
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Re: Audio Spying on Your Computers - Does Facebook LISTEN to us? Be Aware.
I am throwing this out there for thought and discussion. Has anyone had the experience where you have been discussing a topic - verbally - not something you have written an email about or Googled or used the computer on - and an AD comes up on Facebook that day (or maybe next day but usually same day) about the SAME TOPIC YOU HAVE BEEN DISCUSSING?

For example....you might be discussing something fairly unusual like....Filipino geneaology...and an ad will show up on Facebook for something directly related to that. And you only discussed it verbally with someone else in the house - NOT via the computer at all. Perhaps you've discussed something like oh....Smith Brothers cough drops (haven't seen them in an eon) and an ad will pop up on your Facebook that day for Smith Brothers.

I don't know how common this is and I don't see people discussing it but I wanted to raise the issue.

NOTICE YOUR FACEBOOK ADS IN THE FUTURE AND SEE IF THEY REFLECT ANY PRODUCTS OR TOPICS YOU'VE BEEN DISCUSSING RECENTLY.

My point? I think that they are actually listening to at least some of us via the computers and translating part of this information into advertising (that shows up on Facebook). We can guess where the rest goes. I don't know if Facebook has to be open for this to happen, or if it happens anyway. Now personally I NEVER use Facebook so I can't test it for myself. But I have been told this, so I figure you guys are a good test sample.

Be aware of your Facebook ads in the future and see if they reflect anything you've been discussing just verbally recently. this is NOT the same as Google ads that might reflect your email as they read all our emails anyway. This is LISTENING.
 Quoting: mehitable lives



Well, I don't have a web cam - my kid stole it! LOL I deactivated my FB earlier this year. DO have an anonymous one just to keep up with certain show addictions. =/

I figured they had some kind of click tracker or based the ads on what you "liked". Actually listening in - wouldn't that require a software download? I'll have to monitor my son and ask if he notices anything.

Everyone knows now that whatever you put on FB is forever and they've now got facial recognition software, I just think they're getting WAY too involved in your personal life.

You guys mentioned all electronics ... the latest thing I've been hearing about is spying through the cable box. Nice, aye? I wonder if there is a way to detect any type of device like that?

Last Edited by dmadchattr on 11/19/2013 02:22 PM
A government big enough to give you everything you want is strong enough to take everything you have.
~Thomas Jefferson
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Insanity is often the logic of an accurate mind overtasked.
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At least two-thirds of our miseries spring from human stupidity, human malice and those great motivators and justifiers of malice and stupidity: idealism, dogmatism and proselytizing zeal on behalf of religous or political ideas.
~ Aldous Huxley
mehitable lives  (OP)

User ID: 7505052
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11/19/2013 02:25 PM
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Re: Audio Spying on Your Computers - Does Facebook LISTEN to us? Be Aware.
I am throwing this out there for thought and discussion. Has anyone had the experience where you have been discussing a topic - verbally - not something you have written an email about or Googled or used the computer on - and an AD comes up on Facebook that day (or maybe next day but usually same day) about the SAME TOPIC YOU HAVE BEEN DISCUSSING?

For example....you might be discussing something fairly unusual like....Filipino geneaology...and an ad will show up on Facebook for something directly related to that. And you only discussed it verbally with someone else in the house - NOT via the computer at all. Perhaps you've discussed something like oh....Smith Brothers cough drops (haven't seen them in an eon) and an ad will pop up on your Facebook that day for Smith Brothers.

I don't know how common this is and I don't see people discussing it but I wanted to raise the issue.

NOTICE YOUR FACEBOOK ADS IN THE FUTURE AND SEE IF THEY REFLECT ANY PRODUCTS OR TOPICS YOU'VE BEEN DISCUSSING RECENTLY.

My point? I think that they are actually listening to at least some of us via the computers and translating part of this information into advertising (that shows up on Facebook). We can guess where the rest goes. I don't know if Facebook has to be open for this to happen, or if it happens anyway. Now personally I NEVER use Facebook so I can't test it for myself. But I have been told this, so I figure you guys are a good test sample.

Be aware of your Facebook ads in the future and see if they reflect anything you've been discussing just verbally recently. this is NOT the same as Google ads that might reflect your email as they read all our emails anyway. This is LISTENING.
 Quoting: mehitable lives



Well, I don't have a web cam - my kid stole it! LOL I deactivated my FB earlier this year. DO have an anonymous one just to keep up with certain show addictions. =/

I figured they had some kind of click tracker or based the ads on what you "liked". Actually listening in - wouldn't that require a software download? I'll have to monitor my son and ask if he notices anything.

Everyone knows now that whatever you put on FB is forever and they've now got facial recognition software, I just think they're getting WAY too involved in your personal life.
 Quoting: dmadchattr



Well, they've got all the software they need apparently! The technology is probably relatively simple - just having mics and cameras open in any place where people are - home, garage, car, whatever. Any device with a computer chip might be suspicious but definitely the computer, cell phone, and possibly the TV. I think the proof of the pudding is the number of people on this and other threads who confirm my source's experience: that they are able to listen to your private, VERBAL conversations in the privacy of your home or car and then put ads up on Facebook, You Tube, or whatever, to sell us related crap. And of course, I'm sure the data is retained for other purposes too.

I think the first step to ending this (which may be a long process) is to be AWARE THAT IT EXISTS. That the technology is out there and being used NOW. We have to let everyone know to be careful with their technology and the programs they use. No one should use FB for example, but it might be hard for some folks to avoid.





GLP