Google's eavesdropping technology: Going too far to sell ads?

The search giant snags a patent that might let Larry Page and Co. listen in on your future phone calls

With Google's potential new software, an algorithm could pick up the background noise of, say, a seaside phone call and target your computer ads to beach vacations.
(Image credit: Erik Isakson/Tetra Images/Corbis)

Even as Google overhauls its search engine, the tech giant is looking for ways to diversify its revenue streams. One possibility? This week, Google was awarded a patent for "advertising based on environmental conditions," suggesting that in the future, computers and handsets may deliver targeted ads tailored to fit with what you're seeing and hearing in the real world. Here's what you should know:

How would this work?

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up
To continue reading this article...
Continue reading this article and get limited website access each month.
Get unlimited website access, exclusive newsletters plus much more.
Cancel or pause at any time.
Already a subscriber to The Week?
Not sure which email you used for your subscription? Contact us