# Facebook says it won’t use software that can eavesdrop through your phone mic | Tech News (HT Tech) > The technology is designed to monitor what people watch on their “broadcasting device” so that the adverts they are shown on Facebook . # Facebook says it won’t use software that can eavesdrop through your phone mic ## The technology is designed to monitor what people watch on their “broadcasting device” so that the adverts they are shown on Facebook . Aug 19 2022, 23:43 IST ![Follow on Facebook](https://images.hindustantimes.com/tech/static/revamp/images/png/follow-us-facebook.png) ![Follow on Facebook](https://images.hindustantimes.com/tech/static/revamp/images/png/follow-us-facebook-hover.png) ![Share](https://images.hindustantimes.com/tech/static/revamp/images/png/Share.png) ![Share](https://images.hindustantimes.com/tech/static/revamp/images/png/Shareclicked.png) ![Share on WhatsApp](https://images.hindustantimes.com/tech/static/revamp/images/png/whatsapp.png) ![Share on WhatsApp](https://images.hindustantimes.com/tech/static/revamp/images/png/whatsapp-hover.png) ![Share on Twitter](https://images.hindustantimes.com/tech/static/revamp/images/png/twitter.png) ![Share on Twitter](https://images.hindustantimes.com/tech/static/revamp/images/png/twitter-hover.png) ![Share on Facebook](https://images.hindustantimes.com/tech/static/revamp/images/png/facebook.png) ![Share on Facebook](https://images.hindustantimes.com/tech/static/revamp/images/png/facebook-hover.png) ![Bookmark](https://images.hindustantimes.com/tech/static/revamp/images/png/Bookmark.png) ![Bookmarked](https://images.hindustantimes.com/tech/static/revamp/images/png/Bookmarked.png) ![The invasive nature of the technology raised eyebrows for its potential to violate privacy.](https://images.hindustantimes.com/tech/rf/image_size_960x540/HT/p2/2018/07/02/Pictures/phone-supreme-court-location-warrant-needed-cell_3fcc3174-7ddc-11e8-89f9-f4d812ce152d.jpg) The invasive nature of the technology raised eyebrows for its potential to violate privacy. (AFP) ![Author Photo](https://images.hindustantimes.com/tech/static/revamp/images/png/HTTech-new-circle-logo.png) ### By KUL BHUSHAN Facebook has refuted concerns around its new patent for software that could turn the mics of smartphones. The social networking giant said that the technology hasn't been included in any of Facebook's products and is meant for different purpose altogether. The patent had been filed "to prevent aggression from other companies," Facebook Vice President and Deputy General Counsel Allen Lo told Engadget. He added that the technology "never will be" integrated into any of the Facebook products. Earlier, various media reports claimed that Facebook's new software consisted of a system which let it quietly tell people's smartphones to capture "ambient audio". Also read click here. The technology is designed to monitor what people watch on their "broadcasting device" so that the adverts they are shown on Facebook are likely to appeal to them, and give companies an accurate sense of the size of the audience which has viewed their promotion. The invasive nature of the technology raised eyebrows for its potential to violate privacy. It is worth noting that the Facebook eavesdropping through users' phone microphones to serve ads is one of the widely-held conspiracy theories. The company, however, has categorically denied using such tool. Earlier this year, US Congress even asked CEO Mark Zuckerberg if Facebook gathered user data via microphone audio. Zuckerberg simply responded, "No." "You're talking about this conspiracy theory that gets passed around, that we listen to what's going on on your microphone and we use that for ads. We don't do that," he added. If you're still apprehensive about giving Facebook access to your phone's microphone, here's how you can disable it. Launch "Settings" on your Android Phone. Choose "Apps" (or the section that shows all the applications) Tap "Facebook" Select "Permissions" Select "Microphone" and disable it. Tap "Microphone" Find Facebook, and turn the slider to OFF. You can repeat the same process for any other application. (with inputs from IANS) Catch all the Latest Tech News, Mobile News, Laptop News, Gaming news, Wearables News , How To News, also keep up with us on Whatsapp channel,Twitter, Facebook, Google News, and Instagram. 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