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FTC Warns Android App Developers About Use of Audio-Tracking Code
Reader Trailrunner7 writes: The Federal Trade Commission is warning dozens of developers about some code they've included in their apps that can surreptitiously listen to unique audio signals from TVs in the background and build detailed profiles of what consumers are watching. The technology, produced by a company called SilverPush, is used to track users across devices and the FTC warned the developers that if they don't disclose the use of the code to consumers, they could be violating the FTC Act. The commission sent the letter to 12 app developers whose apps are in the Google Play Store, and warned them that not disclosing the use of SilverPush's Unique Audio Beacon could be a problem. "For example, the code is configured to access the device's microphone to collect audio information even when the application is not in use. Moreover, your application requires permission to access the mobile device's microphone prior to install, despite no evident functionality in the application that would require such access," the letter says.
Here's a list of reasons why I don't like the Internet of Things:
1) Internet of Things devices could listen to me while I sleep.
2) Internet of Things devices could listen to me while I pee.
3) Internet of Things devices could listen to me while I make kaka.
4) Internet of Things devices could listen to me while I pleasure myself.
5) Internet of Things devices could listen to me while I wash my body in the shower.
6) Internet of Things devices could listen to me while I relax in the tub.
7) Internet of Things devices could listen to me while I brush my teeth.
8) Internet of Things devices could listen to me while I make passionate love to my wife.
9) Internet of Things devices could listen to me while I brush my hair.
10) Internet of Things devices could listen to me while I read a book.
11) Internet of Things devices could listen to me while I read Slashdot.
12) Internet of Things devices could listen to me while I bake cake.
13) Internet of Things devices could listen to me while I put in my contact lenses.
14) Internet of Things devices could listen to me while I get ready to play golf.
15) Internet of Things devices could listen to me while I do my laundry.
16) Internet of Things devices could listen to me while I think about rugby.
17) Internet of Things devices could listen to me while I tie my shoes.
18) Internet of Things devices could listen to me while I celebrate the 4th of July.
19) Internet of Things devices could listen to me while I water my flowers.
20) Internet of Things devices could listen to me while I eat ham.
21) Internet of Things devices could listen to me while I use my stapler to staple documents.
22) Internet of Things devices could listen to me while I chew bubble gum.
23) Internet of Things devices could listen to me while I check the oil in my car.
24) Internet of Things devices could listen to me while I look for my TV remote.
25) Internet of Things devices could listen to me while I blow my nose.
26) Internet of Things devices could listen to me while I rearrange my stamp collection.
27) Internet of Things devices could listen to me while I listen to the Backstreet Boys.
28) Internet of Things devices could listen to me while I do my calisthenics.
29) Internet of Things devices could listen to me while I search for a paper clip.
30) Internet of Things devices could send information about me to advertisers.
31) Internet of Things devices could let advertisers use the data unsuspectingly collected about me while I sleep.
32) Internet of Things devices could let advertisers use the data unsuspectingly collected about me while I pee.
33) Internet of Things devices could let advertisers use the data unsuspectingly collected about me while I make kaka.
34) Internet of Things devices could let advertisers use the data unsuspectingly collected about me while I pleasure myself.
35) Internet of Things devices could let advertisers use the data unsuspectingly collected about me while I wash my body in the shower.
36) Internet of Things devices could let advertisers use the data unsuspectingly collected about me while I relax in the tub.
37) Internet of Things devices could let advertisers use the data unsuspectingly collected about me while I brush my teeth.
38) Internet of Things devices could let advertisers use the data unsuspectingly collected about me while I make passionate love to my wife.
39) Internet of Things devices could let advertisers use the data unsuspectingly collected about me while I brush my hair.
40) Internet of Things devices could let advertisers use the data unsuspectingly collected about me while I read a book.
41) Internet of Things devices could let advertisers use the data unsuspectingly collected about me while I read Slashdot.
42) Internet of Things devices could let advertisers use the data unsuspectingly collected abo
Or have Google prevent background processes from accessing the microphone... DUH!