Introduction to the Claims
The top boss of Instagram has repaid long-lasting claims that the app spies on users via its microphone. Both Facebook and Instagram have been repeatedly accused by users over the years who say that secret snooping enables the META apps to display relevant ads. Gadget owners will often say that they have had a conversation with a friend, only to see online ads for what they later talked about.
Response from Instagram’s Boss
Now, Instagram’s boss Adam Mosseri has published a reel video in which he describes the claims as a "myth". He said, "This is a mythed video about something that I have had a lot of passionate conversations. Maybe at least a few, two or three, even with my wife." Mosseri described how using the phone’s microphone to spy on users would be a "gross violation of privacy". He also explained that users could easily tell if Instagram was actually spying on them, as the battery of their phone would drain quickly due to the increased performance use, and a small light on the top of the screen would signal when the microphone is active.
Reasons Behind the Claims
Mosseri says that there are many reasons why users may think that Instagram is spying on them. However, it turns out that the real reason is that Instagram does not need to use users’ microphones to display relevant ads. According to Mosseri, one reason is that users may have actually searched for something online or on a website before having a conversation about it. Another reason is that Meta thinks users are interested in a product based on their online behavior or the interests of similar people. A third reason is that users may have seen an ad before having a conversation and were influenced by it without realizing it. Finally, Mosseri said that it could simply be a coincidence.
How Ads are Displayed
Mosseri explained that Instagram shows users ads based on their interests, which are determined by their online behavior and the interests of similar people. He said, "We actually work with advertisers who share information with us about who was on their website to try to aim for these people with advertisements." Mosseri also noted that users may see ads for products they have searched for online or that their friends have shown interest in.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mosseri reiterated that Instagram does not use users’ microphones to spy on them. He said, "So I would like to repeat: We don’t listen to your microphone. I know that some of them just don’t believe me, no matter how much I try to explain it. But I wanted to clarify the record." This is not the first time that META managers have had to react to microphone-snooping claims, with Facebook making a similar explanation in 2016 and Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg denying the claims in a US Senate hearing in 2018.
