Phone listening to target ads, suggests company leak
Have you ever suspected that your smartphone is sharing ads based on what you’ve said in random conversations? A company leak suggests phone listening is real, so you might be right!
Digital news outlet 404 Media reports that Cox Media Group pitched “Active-Listening software” to clients. It allegedly uses artificial intelligence to listen to your statements to collect behavioral data.
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Article continues after this advertisementCMG’s clients include Facebook, Google, and Amazon, suggesting these firms could be using Active-Listening to target users.
How does this phone listening software function?
404 Media previously reported Cox Media Group (CMG) was advertising a service that claimed to target ads based on what potential customers said near device microphones. Now, here is the pitch deck CMG sent to prospective companies: https://t.co/o4XxXbZMcD
— 404 Media (@404mediaco) August 27, 2024
The pitch deck or slideshow went into the hands of 404 Media, revealing how this Active-Listening program works.
It collects customer voice data via any microphone-equipped device, such as your phone, laptop, or home assistant. Then, advertisers use the information to target “in-market consumers,” who are considering buying a particular product or service.
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The phone listening software will serve you advertisements if it detects you’re interested in a product. For example, discuss gaming phones with a friend or search them online, and the program will send you related ads.
“Once launched, the technology automatically analyzes your site traffic and customers to fuel audience targeting on an ongoing basis,” the pitch deck allegedly states.
Daily Mail reported that CMG claimed in its since-deleted blog from November 2023 that its Active-Listening software is legal.
“We know what you’re thinking. Is this even legal? The short answer is: yes. It is legal for phones and devices to listen to you.”
“When a new app download or update prompts consumers with a multi-page terms-of-use agreement somewhere in the fine print, Active Listening is often included.”
Daily Mail says Google removed Cox Media Group from its Partners Program website after the 404 Media story broke.
Meta admitted it is reviewing the Georgia-based media conglomerate for any terms-of-service violations. Also, Amazon told 404 that its advertising department “has never worked with CMG on this program and has no plans to do so.”
