this post was submitted on 02 Mar 2024
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Privacy
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It's scary how accurate they can predict you with what data they have; they don't need to tap your microphone.
You're on a OnePlus; there's always a status bar icon if the microphone is active.
Think of what led to your conversation? Everything related to it you saw or searched online that could've later triggered you to talk about the subject, could also trigger them to serve you ads about it later. Perhaps your friend was the one, and the ad companies have linked you together, ie. by tracking your location and contacts.
And now you've noticed the adverts, you'll notice them much more, where you'd normally ignore them completely. Furthermore, if you noticed these ads, you might've clicked them or stopped scrolling and stared at them too long in a wtf moment and now the ad companies know, so they'll serve you a whole lot more of the same.
I've seen ads for things I've only thought about but haven't actually done any searches or even talked about yet. Innocuous stuff too, like a movie I wanted to buy on DVD. An older movie at that.
It's very eerie.
They are probably just predictions based on the data the advertising companies gathered on you and you just happened to notice the ones that you only thought about.
Even if it's entirely random you're bound to run into some spooky occurrences.
This is a feature I think for all new Androids (at least pixel). BUT it does not cover all apps. System apps can hide it. Quick example, activate Google assistant voice activation. You should be seen the icon all the time, but likely you don't.
I do see it on OnePlus though with all voice apps, including Google assistant. I think OxygenOS is not hiding it