Former CIA officer Jason Hanson told LADbible Stories that any government agency can tap smartphones, laptops, smartwatches, cameras if they choose. He says capability exists regardless of device brand or OS. Hanson emphasizes that capability doesn’t equal ongoing listening, but the technical possibility is real. He cites prior disclosures about bulk data grabs as background for his claim.

To limit data collection, Hanson carries a flip phone, avoiding tracking and profiling. He admits even that device could be intercepted if a target draws agency interest. The former operative also warned that unsecured public Wi‑Fi lets both state actors and skilled hackers sniff traffic, making a VPN essential for any user. He also recommends disabling automatic software updates on legacy devices to reduce exposure.

Hanson’s comments revive long‑standing privacy concerns as smartphones become default listening devices for assistants, location services, and always‑on microphones. While no evidence suggests mass surveillance, the admission that “they can do it if they want to” pushes consumers toward hardware‑level privacy steps and encrypted communications. In practice, using a VPN and limiting app permissions offers the most tangible defense today.