This can be done without constantly recording or transmitting what the microphone perceives. It can simply start recording sound and picture when a noise is detected that is loud enough / matches the pattern we’re looking for. This can be done just on the device. No big brother tech needed.
None needed, but that doesn’t stop autocratic regimes from doing mass surveillance.
China’s ambition to collect a staggering amount of personal data from everyday citizens is more expansive than previously known, a Times investigation has found. Phone-tracking devices are now everywhere. The police are creating some of the largest DNA databases in the world. And the authorities are building upon facial recognition technology to collect voice prints from the general public.
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/21/world/asia/china-surveillance-investigation.html
I don’t think it’s wise to install potential dual use surveillance tech that a future government/leader could use
