A marketing agency, whose clients included Facebook and Google, has admitted to using an 'Active Listening' feature that eavesdrops on conversations via phone mics to gather data. This revelation raises significant questions regarding user privacy and behavior analysis in targeted advertising.
The pitch deck from Cox Media Group states that its AI-powered Active Listening software captures real-time data by listening to users' conversations. It emphasizes that advertising clients can pair the gathered voice data with behavioral data, showcasing the potential for an extensive analysis of consumer habits.
When contacted by 404 Media, Google removed CMG from its Partners Program site, indicating a severance in their relationship. A Google spokesperson reiterated the necessity for advertisers to adhere to laws and policies, shedding light on the serious implications of CMG's practices.
Meta has announced an investigation into CMG's activities to ensure there is no violation of its terms of service. A spokesperson for Meta reiterated the company’s longstanding stance that it does not utilize phone microphones for advertising purposes.
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