Last May, some Android users discovered that WhatsApp was actively using the microphone even when they were not on a call or sending voice messages. Whether this was a mistake or if WhatsApp was secretly listening to people was questioned to Google. So, will the initial statement reassure us or should we delete the application? Here are the details…
Clear response from Google: Is WhatsApp secretly listening?
For a long time, we have been hearing rumors akin to conspiracy theories that applications or technology manufacturers are secretly listening to people and selling their data. Of course, there is also the aspect of it being done legally, where our data is shared for personalized advertising purposes.
However, many people often mention seeing advertisements for something they have discussed with others. For instance, while sitting at your computer, you mention to the person next to you that you want to buy cat food, and a few minutes later, random websites you visit display ads for cat food.
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Due to such seemingly coincidental situations, it becomes difficult for individuals to believe it is purely by chance. As a result, they may exhibit excessive reactions to the slightest things they encounter. A similar incident occurred last month due to WhatsApp.
Some users noticed that WhatsApp was accessing the microphone even when they were not actively using the application. Once this information spread with supporting evidence, we even witnessed campaigns to collectively delete the app.
However, a post made today on the Android Developers Twitter account by Google relieved people. It was stated that the reported incident did not reflect the truth and that there was an erroneous reporting due to a bug that occurred in Android.
In other words, WhatsApp is not secretly listening to us by using the phone’s microphone. However, a bug in the Android operating system causes the application to generate incorrect privacy indicators and notifications, mistakenly assuming that it is listening.
Therefore, at the end of the day, Google apologized for causing such confusion with WhatsApp and stated that the issue would be resolved through a simple update. Consequently, those considering deleting the app can now relax.
