In a recent revelation, Cox Media Group (CMG), a major TV and radio news company, seems to be promoting a controversial software called “Active Listening.” According to documents leaked to reporters at 404 Media, the software uses artificial intelligence (AI) to listen to smartphone conversations and capture real-time intent data, which can then be used to target advertisements. This claim raises concerns about privacy and data security.
The marketing pitch deck suggests that advertisers can pair this voice data with behavioural data to target consumers more accurately. In its slideshow, CMG listed major companies like Facebook, Google, and Amazon as clients for its “Active Listening” service. However, when questioned about this alleged partnership, Google quickly removed CMG from its “Partners Program,” and Meta, the owner of Facebook, stated that it is reviewing CMG to determine if the media group violated its terms of service. Meanwhile, an Amazon spokesperson denied any association with CMG’s program, stating that its Ads arm had never worked with CMG and had no plans to do so.
Controversy and Reaction
This isn’t the first time 404 Media has reported on CMG’s voice-targeting practices. In fact, this is the third leak in a year that has brought to light CMG’s questionable “Active Listening” service. Last December, 404 Media revealed the existence of this feature and criticized a marketing company for promoting such intrusive technology on its podcast. These reports add to the long-standing suspicions that advertisers may be using our phones to listen to us without our explicit knowledge or consent.
Gizchina News of the week
CMG’s own materials seem to acknowledge the legal and ethical concerns around this technology. A blog post from November 2023, which has since been deleted, stated, “It is legal for phones and devices to listen to you”. This implies that “Active Listening” is often part of the fine print of user agreements for apps and devices. However, the post did not clarify how CMG obtains voice data or what steps it takes to protect user privacy. Instead, it boasted about its ability to identify users who are “ready-to-buy” and create targeted ad lists based on their conversations.
The media group also charges for this service, asking $100 per day to target individuals within a 10-mile radius and $200 per day for those within a 20-mile radius. Despite these claims, CMG has yet to respond to requests for comment from 404 Media, Gizmodo, and Futurism, leaving many questions unanswered about the true nature and extent of its “Active Listening” technology.
Growing Concerns and Privacy Issues
The leaked documents and ongoing reports about CMG’s “Active Listening” software contribute to growing concerns about privacy and data security. If the software indeed captures real-time voice data to target advertisements, this practice would align with some of the worst fears about digital surveillance. The fact that CMG publicly advertised this service on its website, which remains archived, suggests it would be difficult to deny these activities.
As more information about “Active Listening” comes to light, it could prompt a broader discussion about the legal and ethical implications of using AI to listen to private conversations. Users may become more cautious about what permissions they grant to apps and services, and companies could face increased scrutiny over their data collection practices.
Conclusion
The allegations against Cox Media Group (CMG) of using AI to listen to smartphone conversations and target advertisements raise serious concerns about privacy and data security. Despite CMG’s denial and attempts to deflect attention, the leaked documents and previous reports provide strong evidence supporting these claims. The fact that major companies like Facebook, Google, and Amazon were listed as clients for this service further fuels these concerns.
While CMG claims that “Active Listening” is legal and included in user agreements, the company has not provided any concrete details about how it obtains voice data or protects user privacy. The revelations about CMG’s practices could lead to increased scrutiny of other companies that may be engaging in similar activities. It is crucial for users to be aware of the potential risks of digital surveillance and to take steps to protect their privacy online.
