Newswise — Video calls have become a normal part of everyday life. From work meetings and online classes to telehealth and family check-ins. Most people assume that turning off the camera means their surroundings stay private. But new research suggests the microphone can reveal more than we think.
Dr. Chen Wang, Associate Professor of Computer Science at Southern Methodist University (SMU), studies how small sounds and echoes in video calls can unintentionally give away information about a person’s location. His team found that even brief audio signals, the kind we barely notice, can bounce off walls, furniture, and objects in a room. When analyzed with AI, these echoes can help guess whether someone is at home, in an office, a hotel room, or even inside a car.
The surprising part? This can happen without hacking, without malware, and even with the camera turned off. As remote communication continues to grow, understanding these hidden risks helps users stay informed and reminds companies that privacy must evolve along with technology.
The latest episode of the Curious by Nature podcast, “The Security Risks of Video Conferencing Platforms” featuring Dr. Chen Wang, is now available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Curious by Nature, presented by Newswise, is a podcast for curious people. In each episode, listeners can travel briefly into the fascinating world that comes with years of dedication to one field of study. Be inspired by the many amazing things that are going on right now, some of which may have a major effect on our lives. Enjoy this concentrated knowledge from experts. We hope you can take inspiration from glimpses of innovation, dedication, and discovery.
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