Are tech companies listening to your private chats? What you need to know

Want to keep Google out of your private convos? Here's how.

The past few years have seen a growing unease about how big tech companies harvest and exploit our personal information. A particularly creepy issue is Google quietly recording audio whenever you use their apps and services, without your knowledge.

According to USA Today, Google states that it only listens in for voice commands and to improve marketing efforts. However, this has led to worries about potential misuse of the recorded audio, such as hackers accessing the data or creating artificial intelligence voice clones.

According to the outlet, if a cybercriminal hacks into your Google account or smart devices, they can get their hands on your stored audio and voice data – and it's all downhill from there. This involves artificial intelligence voice clones that can gain access to your sensitive accounts, scam your loved ones, or worse.

The good news is, you can stop Google from saving these audio clips by adjusting a few settings. Grab your phone, fire up the Google app, tap on:

• Manage Your Google Account
• Data and Privacy
• scroll down to History Settings
• Toggle off Web & App Activity

This will stop Google from saving new audio recordings. To delete previously saved audio recordings, go to the same section:

• Web & App Activity section
• click "Manage Activity,"
• Either delete individual items with a microphone icon
• Or select "Delete" then "All Time" to remove everything at once

Users should also check other apps that may be accessing their microphone. For iPhone users, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone to see what apps can access your mic and turn off any ones you're not comfortable with. Android users, swipe down from the top, hit the gear icon for Settings > Privacy > Permission Manager and revoke microphone rights for sketchy apps.

While Google hasn't directly addressed the latest privacy flare-up, a spokesperson trotted out their usual line about only recording after you trigger the Assistant by saying "Hey Google". This data allows us to better understand your queries and improve our services.

Despite Google's assurances, the ability to disable audio recording remains an option for users prioritizing privacy. As one tech analyst noted, "A few minutes of work, and now you can rest a little easier."