Ask HN: Why does Facebook.com activate the microphone?
11 points - today at 8:53 AM
In Safari on macOS when visiting the Facebook newsfeed, the system mic active icon appears in the menu bar and says that Safari is using it.
I haven't granted permission. When I asked ChatGPT it said 'Safari creates an audio capture session even if the user has not granted microphone permission, for capability negotiation, but no audio data leaves the device until permission is granted.' - is that accurate?
pulvinar
today at 11:47 AM
That's odd. ChatGPT (5.1) tells me Safari does not open an audio capture session for 'capability negotiation' that would show the mic icon.
I assume you have Safari > Settings > Websites > Microphone > facebook.com set to the default "Ask", or to "Deny"? Also check any installed extensions.
bunnybomb2
today at 10:15 AM
Cause they are listening to you to sell data to ad companies. all hail facebook
Remember when people paid $50 for amazon alexa to spy on all ur Conversations ?
fuzzfactor
today at 10:24 AM
“Oh, Grandma, what big ears you have!”
“The better to hear you with, my child,” came the growling reply.