Concerns Over Privacy as Eavesdropping Bug Discovered on Pixel Phones
In a troubling turn of events, Pixel phone users are reporting a significant privacy breach whereby callers can overhear conversations while leaving voicemails. Various incidents have surfaced, raising serious concerns over the potential misuse of this feature. Despite the affected users being unaware of this eavesdropping, the implications are serious and call for immediate attention from Google.
Pixel Phones: Callers Eavesdropping on Users
The couple conducted a simple test: while the husband left a voicemail, he was able to hear his wife, who remained unaware of his presence on the line. He encountered the automatic message, “The person you are calling is not available, please leave a message,” all the while picking up her conversations. The husband speculates that this issue likely isn't tied to Pixel's new message screening feature, as she should be able to hear him if that were the case.
Similar Incidents Reported by Other Pixel Users
This peculiar incident is not isolated. Another woman reported experiencing similar issues with her Pixel 4a. Many users on Reddit have highlighted that this problem has mainly been found on Pixel 4a devices, although one report from a Pixel 10 model indicates it’s more widespread. Users have expressed concerns, labeling the situation as a serious “invasion of privacy.”
Theories Pointing to the "Take a Message" Feature
While some users are doubtful about a link between the bug and the "Take a Message" feature, others argue otherwise. This feature prompts messages like, "The person you have called is not available. Please leave a message after the tone." It allows recipients to read the caller's typed message for context on whether to answer. Given this, it’s plausible that the feature could contribute to the unsettling eavesdropping experience.
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Steps to Disable the Feature
If you wish to stop this unsettling bug, you can disable the "Take a Message" feature. Navigate to the Settings page in the Phone by Google app, tap on the hamburger icon, proceed to "Take a Message," and toggle it off.
In summary, this alarming bug resembles a scenario where callers can hear the Pixel user but the user cannot hear the caller, which can be exceptionally concerning for users unaware of the breach. Fortunately, Google has acknowledged the problem and is actively investigating the reports. A company representative stated, "Our team is aware of these reports and is actively investigating."
