However, some experts believe that Facebook is not being fully transparent. Once the microphone feature is enabled, Facebook can listen in to your private conversation, even when one is not actively engaging with the app.
The feature listens for particular buzz words, which enable the site to weave the content that appears on news feeds to suit users’ personal interests.
In an NBC report, the feature is tested by Kelli Burns, a professor of Mass Communication at the University of South Florida.
In the experiment, she says aloud with her microphone feature on, “I’m really interested in going on an African safari. I think it’d be wonderful to ride in one of those jeeps.”
When she checked her Facebook newsfeed just 60 seconds later, the first item to appear was a safari story. She then also noticed an advertisement for Jeep vehicles. more
