Data protection: Who's listening in on your cell phone? Check app settings

To avoid unwanted microphone access from apps and voice assistants on your smartphone, users should review their device settings, according to the magazine "Computerbild." Within these settings, users can disable certain permissions. However, it is crucial to carefully evaluate whether the app's need for microphone access is justified, as in the case of messaging services that allow voice messages.

Users should also consider the specific circumstances for which the app requires permission and what will be done with the data afterward.

Before granting permission, it is advisable to read the app's terms of service, as advised by "Computerbild." Legal microphone usage occurs when users have authorized the app's necessary rights. For enhanced privacy, it is recommended to download apps exclusively from official app stores. This helps prevent the installation of malware by less trustworthy third-party providers and ensures that security vulnerabilities cannot be exploited by cybercriminals. Additionally, users should keep their software up-to-date to further protect their privacy.

On iPhones, users can disable the microphone option in their settings. For Android devices, users need to go to the app's permissions and select "Not allowed" for the microphone. Virtual voice assistants can also be deactivated in the settings. Users should control and delete the call history of voice assistants, as these recordings may contain sensitive information.

According to "Computerbild," developers may use this data for personalized advertising and recommendations. If users do not wish for this, they should completely disable their voice assistants on their smartphones.