Does your phone eavesdrop on you?
When ads pop up on your phone for products after you've happened to mention them, is it an indication that advertisers are eavesdropping on you? Correspondent David Pogue checks out the facts about highly-targeted advertising, and why it sometimes gets weirdly specific.
Reported by 1 outlet — CBS News. See all sources ↓
CBS News asked whether smartphones listen to private conversations to show ads. Correspondent David Pogue investigated how targeted advertising works. He found that ads appear after mentioning products because of data from online activity, not because the phone is listening. The report explains why the coincidence feels like eavesdropping.
Why it matters
Readers should know that their privacy is not being violated by hidden microphones. Understanding how ads are targeted helps them protect their data.
- Does the phone actually listen to your conversations?
- No, the phone does not record private talks to show ads.
- Why do ads seem to match what you just said?
- Ads match because companies use your browsing history and other online data, not because they heard you speak.
How outlets are framing the same story
Here's how each outlet is covering the story — compare their headlines and timing at a glance.
All outlets frame the story similarly, as there is only one source.
- Coverage card1 outlet1CoverageScouting report
Does your phone eavesdrop on you?
Sources1TypeCoverageCBS News