Privacy alert! Here’s how to find out if someone is recording your calls
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Do you often wonder if someone is recording your conversations while on a call? This question has become more important than ever. Whether it's a personal conversation or a secret office meeting, call recording has become a major privacy issue.
But can we really tell if our calls are being recorded? Let's explore some easy ways to tell.
1. Pay attention to beeps or echoes: If you hear faint beeps, clicks, or echoes during a call, this could be a serious warning sign. Many recording apps or devices produce this type of micro-noise when transmitting audio.
2. Check app permissions: Many phones these days come with built-in recording features, but some people also use third-party apps. Be sure to check your phone's settings:
Go to Settings → Apps → Permissions → Microphone Access.
Check which apps have microphone permissions here. If you see an unfamiliar app that you don't remember, remove it immediately.
3. Don't ignore the notification panel: Many Android phones (like Samsung, Xiaomi, Realme, or OnePlus) display a small notification that says "Recording Started" or "Recording On" when a call is being recorded. However, experts believe this can be hidden by some modified or cracked apps, so it's not entirely reliable.
4. iPhone warnings: Previously, third-party call recording apps were very limited on the iPhone, but newer versions now include a built-in call recording feature. Therefore, pay attention to the warnings you receive when a call recording begins.
5. Frequent network errors: According to some tech experts, if you experience frequent network fluctuations or sudden delays in voice during a call, this could be a side effect of the recording system. While this isn't always true, if this pattern is recurring, it's best to be cautious.
6. Screen recording risk in encrypted calls: Even though calls on apps like WhatsApp are end-to-end encrypted (meaning no one can record in between), your call could be recorded if the other person has screen recording turned on. Therefore, be sure to pay attention to any notification icon or recording symbol running in the background during a call on any app.
7. The Privacy Dashboard is useful: Android 12 and later versions include a great feature called the "Privacy Dashboard." Here, you can see when and which apps used your microphone or camera over the last 24 hours. If an app is turning on the microphone unnecessarily, it's best to uninstall it.
However, it is important to note that no method is 100% foolproof, but the methods mentioned above can increase your digital safety and help you be more vigilant than before.