NewsBite

Australians fear how Google and Facebook collect their data, ACCC survey reveals

THE official inquiry into the impact of Facebook and Google has revealed few consumers know how their data is shared and a vast majority are scared about the collection of their personal data.

THE official inquiry into the impact of Facebook and Google has revealed hardly any consumers know how their data is shared and that an overwhelming majority are scared about the surreptitious collection of their personal information.

The worry in the community is not only widespread but in some cases intense, with people sharing fears that tech giants are secretly listening to what’s happening in their homes.

The findings emerge from a voluntary survey of the public by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission which was released on Friday and showed less than seven per cent of consumers were confident they understood how their data was shared; 83 per cent were worried about how their information was being collected.

MORE: Tech giants targeted in tax crackdown

REVEALED: The simple question that broke Zuckerberg

Facebook CEO and founder Mark Zuckerberg testifies during a US House Committee on Energy and Commerce hearing about Facebook on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC last month. Picture: AFP
Facebook CEO and founder Mark Zuckerberg testifies during a US House Committee on Energy and Commerce hearing about Facebook on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC last month. Picture: AFP

Some survey respondents told the ACCC they suspected microphones on their devices had been used to eavesdrop on them.

“I have noticed ads in my feeds for things that I have only spoken about and have fears about Instagram accessing my microphone,” one respondent said.

Instagram is owned by Facebook.

Another said: “I have had the TV showing a segment on a news site playing and then open Facebook and refresh the feed to see that exact article/clip at the top. I fear the cookies being used ... also listen via (the) mic’s built in to devices to show content.”

These concerns are apparently unfounded — Facebook says it doesn’t listen in while Google says it discards audio unless the phrases “Hey Google” or “OK Google” are used.

In recent testimony before the US Congress over the Cambridge Analytica scandal, Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg denied the company uses audio to enrich the data it has about users.

RELATED: How Facebook became a trainwreck

The spotlight is also on Google over data collection. Picture: Bloomberg
The spotlight is also on Google over data collection. Picture: Bloomberg

“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,” he said. “We don’t do that.”

The eavesdropping suspicions are part of a broader theme within the feedback: that Big Tech is spying on users.

“I recently got engaged,” a survey respondent said. “Before it was even announced online, I started getting ads for rings and gowns and venues. I assume this has something to do with the cookies in my browsers, but it is still not entirely clear to me how it works.”

Another said: “Facebook, Google and similar large digital companies must be forced by law to stop collecting such data. They are massively invading peoples privacy.

The ACCC survey covered 275 people who proactively chose to go to the digital platforms inquiry page on its site and complete the questionnaire.

The inquiry is examining how Facebook, Google and Twitter use consumers’ personal information, It is also looking at the impact of algorithms on news diversity and quality, as well as how the reduction in traditional media companies’ advertising revenue is affecting the creation of news and journalistic content in Australia.

Originally published as Australians fear how Google and Facebook collect their data, ACCC survey reveals

Add your comment to this story

To join the conversation, please Don't have an account? Register

Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout

Original URL: https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/technology/australians-fear-how-google-and-facebook-collect-their-data-accc-survey-reveals/news-story/af4d49158f0f0b13f85402d14a436179