Abstract: A telephone privacy device includes first and second connectors that are mateable with a telephone handset and a telephone base, respectively. The handset includes a microphone, and the device includes a variable amplifier that allows the user to amplify the microphone signal to a desired level prior to sending it on to the base. A signal strength display allows the user to monitor the amplitude of the amplified microphone signal. A side tone suppression circuit generates a side tone suppression signal in response to the amplified microphone signal. This side tone suppression signal is used to reduce excessive side tone from the telephone base. An adjustable gain amplifier amplifies the speaker signal supplied by the base for the handset speaker.