I-Spies are Looking for You

Just when you thought online privacy couldn't get any worst, technology developers unveiled software that lets your smartphone listen in on your TV viewing habits.  Called SilverPush, this Android-based third-party app uses  your smartphone to listen for television shows in the background, in turn providing third-party advertisers with information on users' viewing habits.  This caused the FTC to send letters to 12 developers known to be using SilverPush.  While the developer of SilverPush claims that the software isn't yet in use in the US, the feds warned them that its use in American apps could be illegal and the developers held liable if users weren't made aware of the data being collected.  More troubling is the fact that this kind of technology could open a Pandora's Box by making our homes, business and vehicles veritable listening stations as other IoT devices could easily be converted into spies.  If you want to find out more about the remifications and countermeasures you need to consider, check out this episode of Working the Web to Win. Your privacy could depend on it.