Feb 1, 2019

Microphone constantly recording while in settings

Update: This also happens when accessing Voice from Chrome on my Pixel 3 XL but only if I view it in desktop mode.

The other day that I was checking my settings within the web version of Google Voice on my laptop I noticed that a red recording icon popped up in the tab. At the time I did not think anything of it but today I saw it again. I scrolled down to the Audio Section and noticed something really really disturbing. I noticed that next to the microphone icon it shows a little wave that moves when it detects noise. I spoke loudly and sure enough it moved suggesting it actually is recording. I am really concerned as to why in the world would google voice be recording audio if I am not in the middle of a call. I am quite concerned as to where this audio is going and how nobody else has spotted this bug.

I attached a screenshot so you can see what im talking about. If you look in the corner tab you will see a red recording icon. If you look next to the microphone icon you can see it moving suggesting its capturing sound. After taking this screenshot I promptly disabled the microphone permissions by clicking the camera icon in the url field at the top right corner. If you're concerned as well then I would suggest you do the same until we are told more information.

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Last edited Feb 12, 2019

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Bluescat

Diamond Product Expert

Bluescat: jazz and blues music lover, and crazy cat lover.

Feb 1, 2019

Hi:

Thanks for asking about this; I'm sure it was unsettling.

Here's what is actually happening: Over the past year, Google has completely replaced and/or upgraded the entire Google Voice service, to support the current and future direction of communications: Voice over IP (VoIP) calling. Recently, Google started migrating all of its users to the new VoIP-capable infrastructure. It was previously available as part of a public beta test, and as of last week, it started rolling out to everyone.

Along with these changes, Google added the ability to record voicemail greetings directly on the website over VoIP, and to test your computer's microphone and speakers, using modern web browsers' HTML5 and WebRTC functions. When WebRTC is active, Google indicates it by adding a red dot to the browser tab.

This does not mean that it is spying or listening to you. It only means that there is software running on that page that uses the browser's built-in communications function. In this case, it is the microphone and speaker test section of Google Voice settings: https://voice.google.com/settings

If you leave the Settings page and go, for example, to the Calls section, the dot will disappear until you are actually making or answering a VoIP call.

You can see it for yourself, here:

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All Replies (11)

Bluescat

Diamond Product Expert

Bluescat: jazz and blues music lover, and crazy cat lover.

Recommended Answer

Feb 1, 2019

Hi:

Thanks for asking about this; I'm sure it was unsettling.

If you leave the Settings page and go, for example, to the Calls section, the dot will disappear until you are actually making or answering a VoIP call.

You can see it for yourself, here:

Diamond Product Expert Zanzibar recommended this

Juan Aguirre

Original Poster

Feb 3, 2019

I don't think that explanation is satisfactory.

Many websites may need access to the microphone but should only be accepting input when the site actually needs voice input which in the situation you described would be when you click record a new greeting. It makes no sense to me why it would be constantly recording instead of only recording when you click record a new greeting.

Bluescat

Diamond Product Expert

Bluescat: jazz and blues music lover, and crazy cat lover.

Feb 3, 2019

My explanation was as clear and accurate as possible. If you couldn't understand the fact that a) it is NOT recording and b) it is only showing that the microphone is on for testing purposes on just the settings page, then don't use the service.

Last edited May 7, 2019

pq wiley

Feb 25, 2019

Given the very legitimate security concerns that face users, I must agree that your reply--while technically clear and (hopefully) accurate -- is not satisfactory. If I understand the original poster, he was not choosing to record a VM greeting nor to test his computer's microphone and speakers, and he certainly made no mention of choosing to use WebRTC. So yes, it's clear from your reply that the red dot indicates this WebRTC is running and testing the Google Voice microphone and speakers. What is NOT clear is what this test consists of (for example, is the microphone on and capable of picking up sounds from the user), why this happens without the user's knowledge, how frequently it happens or is triggered, and why this isn't documented clearly.

I found this Q and A because I just created a Google Voice number and was wondering why I was required to provide access to my phone's microphone in order to make and receive calls. I still haven't found that answer, but your dismissive reply to Juan's original query actually makes me more, not less, concerned about the possible threats posed to my privacy should I allow Google Voice that access.

Last edited Feb 25, 2019

Maggie Mazyck

Mar 20, 2019

I was also wondering what the red dot was which led me to this post. Wow, what a mean comeback (Platinum Product Specialist). Your response to Juan was just how the cookie crumbles when big wigs like Google doesn't have competition, just tell that person not to use your service...wow.

Jacquelyn Devitte

Jun 7, 2019

I can't seem to turn the mic off! How do we turn it off?? I don't want the recording as I may have sensitive information from clients. HELP!!!

Bluescat

Diamond Product Expert

Bluescat: jazz and blues music lover, and crazy cat lover.

Jun 7, 2019

I don't know how to explain this any clearer: the red dot being on only occurs when you are on the Google Voice settings page. It is on, because that page, and that page only, has a section to test your computer's audio setup by clicking a couple of buttons to test the microphone and speakers. It is not recording anything, and it will turn off as soon as you exit settings.

Jacquelyn Devitte

Jun 8, 2019

Ok I get what you are saying but, a permission icon popped up that asked me if google could use my microphone and I said stupidly yes . I want to take that back because I do not want you to use my microphone when I am on the google voice page. Please turn it off. Thank you in advance.

Bluescat

Diamond Product Expert

Bluescat: jazz and blues music lover, and crazy cat lover.

Jun 8, 2019

It's a VoIP (Internet calling) service. It only uses the microphone when you are actually on a phone call. You are welcome to not use the service.

evan hooter

Jul 14, 2019

From my experiences google definitely listens in on people without their consent. I have had multiple conversations with people about a certain obscure topic that I have never looked up on my computer or my phone before. Within the next few days youtube will suggest videos specifically about said subject, and Google will give me ads about it. It's honestly a very scary thought to think that we basically have no privacy anymore

Aren Siekmeier

Jul 17, 2019

Also note that any permissions you give to a site can be taken away again at any time by clicking on the lock next to the URL and adjusting those settings.