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Introduction
Do voice assistants listen to us all the time? Are our smartphones really eavesdropping on us? It's a question that comes up again and again. We live in a time when technology is deeply embedded in our daily lives. Voice assistants, smartphones, and smart devices make things more convenient - but they also raise growing concerns about privacy.
One of the most widespread fears is that our devices are "listening" to us. But how much truth is there to this? In this article, we focus particularly on Siri, Apple’s voice assistant, to explore spying allegations, the company’s official position, user concerns, and what we can do to protect ourselves.
Siri and the Secret Listening Accusations
Siri is designed to activate only when it hears the phrase "Hey Siri". However, in recent years, multiple reports have alleged that Siri might also record private conversations accidentally or without consent. Many users have reported seeing ads related to conversations they had just minutes earlier, raising suspicion.
In January 2025, Apple agreed to pay $95 million to settle a U.S. class-action lawsuit accusing Siri of secretly recording private conversations. Apple reaffirmed its commitment to user privacy, stating that all data collection had occurred with user consent and that no data had been sold or used for advertising.
Similar controversies have involved Amazon’s Alexa and Google Assistant, pushing tech companies to introduce stricter privacy controls. Apple clarified that Siri uses low-power mode to listen for the wake phrase, then records short audio clips to process requests. According to the company, these recordings are not linked to user identities and are used solely to improve accuracy.
The Legal Case and Its Implications
Back in 2019, a whistleblower revealed that some Apple employees had access to accidentally recorded private conversations. In response, Apple introduced new settings to manage voice data, including the ability to opt out of Siri interactions being reviewed.
In 2021, Apple faced another class-action lawsuit over unauthorized recordings. By 2023, reports surfaced of user reimbursements as part of a preliminary settlement. The case reignited the debate over personal data usage and the need for greater transparency from Big Tech.
The Feeling of Being Watched
This sense of being "watched" isn’t exclusive to Siri. Smart TVs, apps, social media platforms, and even smart appliances can collect personal data and track our preferences. Studies confirm that tech companies gather vast amounts of information—location, browsing history, social interactions, and even biometric data—to profile users and serve personalized ads.
Even your social network influences the ads you see. If a friend is interested in a product, chances are you’ll see the same promotion. The Cambridge Analytica scandal is a well-known example of how online data can be used to influence both consumer behavior and voting decisions, sparking global concern.
Spyware and Digital Footprints
There are also spy apps that can be installed—sometimes without your knowledge—to monitor devices. Some of the most notorious include:
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Android Spy
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SpyBubble
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Spyera
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Spyic
Every online action leaves a digital footprint, revealing sensitive personal details. The risks include:
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Identity theft
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Scams and fraud
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Behavioral manipulation
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Discrimination
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Loss of anonymity
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Mass surveillance
Europe vs. USA: Two Approaches to Privacy
The European Union introduced the GDPR, one of the world’s strictest data protection laws, giving users full control over their personal data. In contrast, the United States has a more fragmented approach. While some states like California have enacted strong laws like CCPA and CPRA, there is still no unified federal regulation.
The Positive Side of Tracking
It’s not all bad. Tracking allows for personalized, free services, like movie suggestions, real-time traffic maps, and product recommendations. Companies also use data to improve user experience and deliver more relevant content.
How to Protect Your Privacy
Here are practical steps to defend your digital life:
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Turn off Siri or other voice assistants when not in use
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Manage app permissions: control access to mic, location, contacts, camera
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Use a VPN, especially on public Wi-Fi
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Delete browsing history and cookies regularly
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Use strong passwords and password managers
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Enable two-factor authentication
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Keep your devices updated
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Avoid posting sensitive information on social media
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Be cautious of suspicious emails and unknown links
Conclusion
Technology offers convenience and tools that enhance our lives—but we must stay vigilant about privacy. Being informed and taking preventive action helps us navigate the digital world more safely and consciously.
Only by finding the right balance between data protection and smart usage of services can we ensure a tech-driven future that respects our freedom.
This article is adapted from episode #7 of the weekly series L’hAI Sentito? – Tech News Bites, hosted by Antonio Venece, Director of Geeks Academy, and broadcast every Wednesday on Channel 14 of Italian terrestrial TV.