The Ultimate Guide to Silencing Your Computer

I have lost count of how many times I’ve been asked, “Are my devices listening?”

I will tell you this: They are always listening for the wake word, and tech companies admit smart assistants mishear commands more often than any of us would like. Tap or click to stop your smart assistants from hearing what you say, accidental or not. By the way, Google users won't have to use a wake word at all using the new "Quick Phrases" feature.

Get a microphone blocker

If you want to go a step further, you can totally block your microphone. Gadgets from companies like Mic-Lock trick your computer into thinking a microphone is plugged in. These affordable anti-spying devices don’t have listening capabilities and block any acoustics from being recorded.

Mic-Lock makes microphone blockers for USB and Lightning connections, and traditional 3.5mm jacks.

Read the rest here:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/columnist/komando/2021/10/21/privacy-protection-3-ways-make-sure-facebook-not-listening/8523273002/