How To Stop Facebook From Listening

In the era of digital surveillance, privacy has become a prized possession. One big player contributing to this concern is Facebook. The social media giant has been accused multiple times of listening in on conversations to tailor ads. While Facebook has denied these claims, users can’t seem to shake off the suspicious coincidences. So, whether you’re just cautious or believe in the allegations, here’s a guide on how to stop Facebook from listening to your conversations.

Disable Microphone Access

The easiest way to stop Facebook from listening is by denying it access to your microphone. Here’s how you can do it on your Android and iOS devices:

For Android Users

  1. Go to your device’s Settings.
  2. Navigate to Apps or Application Manager.
  3. Scroll down and locate Facebook.
  4. Under Permissions, disable the microphone.
  Settings -> Apps/Application Manager -> Facebook -> Permissions -> Microphone -> Off
  

For iOS Users

  1. Go to your device’s Settings.
  2. Scroll down and locate Facebook.
  3. Tap on Settings and disable the Microphone.
  Settings -> Facebook -> Settings -> Microphone -> Off
  

Disabling the microphone will stop Facebook from accessing your device’s microphone. Remember that this will also disable voice dictation for comments and voice messaging within the app.

Review App Permissions

It’s also good practice to periodically review the permissions granted to your apps. You may unknowingly grant access to your microphone to apps that don’t need them.

For Android Users

  1. Go to your device’s Settings.
  2. Navigate to Apps or Application Manager.
  3. Click on the menu (three dots at the top-right corner) and select App permissions.
  4. From here, you can review all the app permissions and disable unnecessary ones.

For iOS users

  1. Go to your device’s Settings.
  2. Scroll down and locate Privacy.
  3. From here, you can review all the app permissions and disable unnecessary ones.

By periodically reviewing app permissions, you can maintain control over your privacy and keep your information secure.

Conclusion

Ensuring online privacy is an ongoing task. By following these steps, you can control what Facebook hears. Remember, vigilance is key to securing your digital life.