Shocking Truth Revealed: Your Phone Is Listening! Find Out How Marketing Firms Harness Targeted Ads | Tech News
For years, users have experienced ads for products they recently mentioned in conversation appearing on their devices without any online searches. While many attributed this to mere coincidence or targeted advertising, a report by 404 Media reveals a deeper issue: smartphones are actively listening to conversations. Confirmed by a marketing firm working with tech giants like Google and Facebook, this invasive practice, enabled by a technology called “active listening,” raises serious privacy and ethical concerns.
Cox Media Group (CMG) has developed technology that monitors and analyzes ambient conversations via microphones in smartphones, smart TVs, and other devices. This technology, employing artificial intelligence, collects real-time data based on user conversations, allowing for highly personalized ad targeting. For instance, discussing a new car with friends might result in related ads appearing on your device.
CMG’s presentation to investors uncovered that their technology can capture data from over 470 sources, combining voice with behavioral data for deeper consumer insights. Alarmingly, users may have unwittingly consented to this invasive practice through the fine print in terms of use agreements when downloading or updating apps.
This revelation is part of a broader pattern of intrusive data collection practices, previously exposed by 404 Media. Legal frameworks like the EU’s GDPR and the California Consumer Privacy Act mandate explicit consent for data processing, yet many users skip reading detailed terms and conditions.
Following the report, Google removed CMG from its Partners Programme, Meta stated it does not use microphones for ad targeting and is reviewing CMG’s compliance, and Amazon denied involvement while threatening legal action for any violations.
These disclosures accentuate the critical need for greater transparency and stricter regulations in tech and advertising to safeguard consumer privacy.
Original Story https://www.business-standard.com/technology/tech-news/is-your-phone-listening-marketing-firm-confirms-tech-behind-targeted-ads-124090400592_1.html
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