Janet Mbugua warns Kenyans to check which apps have access to their microphone
Media personality Janet Mbugua has urged Kenyans to check which apps on their phones have access to their microphones as she raised concerns about how personal data is collected and used.
Janet shared her thoughts on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, while discussing a common experience many smartphone users claim to have noticed. She questioned how certain adverts seem to appear on phones without users actively searching for the products or services.
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“Have you had this thing happen to you before? You’re talking to your friends. You’re thinking about a restaurant, and then you haven’t typed anything. You haven’t spoken into your phone, but you open your phone, and this adverts for the same products. Is my phone watching me?” Janet Mbugua asked.
She explained that some people may think such experiences are unusual. However, she suggested that personal data collected through digital activity could play a role in the adverts people see on their devices.
Janet also spoke about how technology can sometimes appear to predict a person’s interests before they even search for something online. She used the example of a phone seemingly knowing that someone wanted coffee before opening an app.
“Imagine your phone knowing you wanted a coffee before you even opened the app,” Janet said.
Digital footprints and data
The media personality explained that users may not always realise how much information they share through their daily online activities. She noted that people often agree to certain permissions without fully understanding how their data may be used.
“No search, no typing…just a vibe it picked up from everything else you have been doing all day. Some might think it’s magic, but it’s really your data quietly doing what you never knew you agreed to, and most of us signed up for it without realising,” Janet explained.
She encouraged people to take a closer look at the permissions they have granted to various applications on their phones. According to her, reviewing those settings could help users better understand what information apps can access.
“One place to start? Go check which apps on your phone have microphone access right now. You might be surprised!” Janet said.
She encouraged people to pay closer attention to how their data is shared and used through the applications installed on their devices.
“I’m also keen to get more insights and info from you all about this topic!” Janet added.
