[WishfulThinker66]

So I know not where to put this thread. I suppose that as it involves people around me it might be due to place it here.

My problem? I recently obtained a new phone. It is a Huawei. Despite all the controversy I accepted the offer of the phone with my new contract as it was the newest and most usable phone my provider offered me at no additional cost. It was basically this latest phone or an older Samsung S8. At the time I felt it was the best option to take.

Well I mentioned controversy.

Since obtaining the phone several family members and acquaintances have been maintaining 'silence' towards me. It seems they have this fear that communicating with me will mean the Chinese Government is going to spy on them via my phone.

I think they are taking this a bit far. Do you?

[s4ndm4n2006]

Originally Posted by WishfulThinker66

So I know not where to put this thread. I suppose that as it involves people around me it might be due to place it here.

My problem? I recently obtained a new phone. It is a Huawei. Despite all the controversy I accepted the offer of the phone with my new contract as it was the newest and most usable phone my provider offered me at no additional cost. It was basically this latest phone or an older Samsung S8. At the time I felt it was the best option to take.

Well I mentioned controversy.

Since obtaining the phone several family members and acquaintances have been maintaining 'silence' towards me. It seems they have this fear that communicating with me will mean the Chinese Government is going to spy on them via my phone.

I think they are taking this a bit far. Do you?

with the amount of spying going on just from our own American tech companies today I'm not so sure that it's really that outrageous.

[unaluna]

Tell them they are probably already being spied on from their kitchen cabinets - a lot of food comes from China, check the labels! Just kidding?

[WishfulThinker66]

you've put a smile on my face folks

Originally Posted by WishfulThinker66

Well I mentioned controversy.

Since obtaining the phone several family members and acquaintances have been maintaining 'silence' towards me. It seems they have this fear that communicating with me will mean the Chinese Government is going to spy on them via my phone.

I think they are taking this a bit far. Do you?

Well, a lot of people talk on the phone while shopping, or in any public place. People around them hear them but they don't care unless they are talking about personal matters. So if they are just calling to say "Hi" it may not be a big deal if anyone hears. But if they want to talk about personal stuff, maybe you guys can talk on another phone.

[healingme4me]

Sure, spying happens in this world. However, ask is what is being said truly that interesting that it's worthy of such endeavors?

[s4ndm4n2006]

Originally Posted by healingme4me

Sure, spying happens in this world. However, ask is what is being said truly that interesting that it's worthy of such endeavors?

In the world of data mining it's not about finding the "interesting bits" in every conversation it's about mining trends, behaviors and such, therefore the most innocuous and boring conversations and activities are actually the more valuable.

[healingme4me]

Originally Posted by s4ndm4n2006

In the world of data mining it's not about finding the "interesting bits" in every conversation it's about mining trends, behaviors and such, therefore the most innocuous and boring conversations and activities are actually the more valuable.

Good to know.

[rechu]

Sorry they are being like that. I don't think it is such a big deal. I needed one of those wireless internet modems as a backup internet connection since I work from home. Huawei was the only brand I found with various providers, so I bought that.

[MickeyCheeky]

I'm so sorry you're going through all of this, WishfulThinker66 I agree that they're taking this a bit too far perhaps, although their concerns are certainly valid. I'd suggest to just tell them that even if they were being spied, there aren't a lot of reasons why they should be interested to heraing their conversations specifically. Of course they may still do it, but I don't see anymore reason to be worried than you'd be worried with a normal American phone. I agree with what all the others have already wisely said. You've been given some great advice on this thread. I'd suggest to try it if you can and want. Like you've all already wisely said, there are many other ways to be spied, so there isn't any specific reason to be worried about your phone calls specifically. Perhaqps you could try to talk to them about this and see how it goes from there. Maybe that could help. Perhaps they may feel even more worried though. I'm not sure about it. That's just my opinion though. I don't know your own family like you do of course. I may be completely wrong. The final decision is up to you! I hope you'll be able to convince them to call you! I hope things will get better soon for you! Sending many hugs to you, WishfulThinker66