Belgian privacy regulator threatens fines for eavesdropping apps

The Belgian Commission for the Protection of Privacy has threatened to take action against eavesdropping apps that listen for what the smartphone user is watching on TV. Fines may follow once the EU's General Data Protection Regulation takes effect in May, the regulator told the paper De Tijd. 

The data protection regulator said hundreds of apps are using software from the company to Alphonso to listen in via the smartphone to what users are watching on TV. This is based on research conducted by the New York Times.  

Alphonso claims the software distinguishes between the TV sounds and private conversations. However, there is a margin of error that means the apps could also be collecting info on private conversations. Furthermore, not all apps have the correct permissions for access to the phone's microphone, in violation of privacy regulations. 

Once the GDPR takes effect, EU regulators will be able to take action also against companies not based in the EU. One of the main features of the regulation is extending the privacy rules to all companies active in the EU, not just those based in the region.