'We don't eavesdrop': Instagram head denies Meta listens to users
What's the story
Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, has taken to his social media account to debunk the long-standing myth that Meta listens to its users' conversations through their phone's microphone. The conspiracy theory suggests that the company secretly activates microphones on users' devices to listen in on their discussions and serve them targeted ads. However, Mosseri has clarified that this is not true, stating, "We do not listen to you. We do not use the phone's microphone to eavesdrop on you."
Personal experiences
Mosseri discusses why people think Meta is listening to them
Mosseri revealed that he has had several discussions about this topic, even with his wife. Many people are shocked at how effective Meta's ad targeting is. He also explained how people often think of something and then see it on their feed, making them believe that Meta is listening to their conversations. However, he clarified that this isn't the case.
Ad strategy
How does Meta's recommendation system work?
Mosseri explained that Meta's recommendation system works with advertisers who provide data about website visitors. This information is then used to serve relevant ads to users. The company also uses an algorithm-based ad tech that predicts what users might be interested in based on the preferences of similar individuals. This strategy has proven highly effective for Meta over the years.
AI integration
Meta plans to use AI for ad-targeting
Meta has announced plans to use artificial intelligence (AI) to improve its ad-targeting decisions. The company's new privacy policy, set to take effect on December 16, will allow it to use data from users' interactions with its AI products in most markets as an additional signal. This could be even more effective than the current system of targeting ads based on shared interests among users.
Human influence
Mosseri explains why recommendations might seem accurate
Mosseri also pointed out that sometimes, the accuracy of recommendations is not just due to technology but also human psychology or coincidence. He said, "You might have actually seen that ad before you had the conversation and not realized it." "We scroll quickly. We scroll by ads quickly. And sometimes you internalize some of that, and that actually affects what you talk about later," he added.