A leaked pitch deck from Cox Media Group (CMG) reveals the use of a technology known as “Active Listening.”
This tool allegedly collects real-time data by listening to people's conversations on their devices.
CMG claims that this data enables advertisers to target potential customers based on what they say near their smartphones.
First reported by 404media, the leaked documents show that CMG's technology can combine voice and behavioral data.
This means that if a person discusses a specific product or service, they may soon see relevant ads on their devices.
Following the leak, Google severed ties with CMG. After learning about CMG's use of “Active Listening,” the tech giant removed the company from its “Partners Program.”
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, is also looking into whether CMG's practices violate its terms of service.
An Amazon spokesperson stated that their advertising department has never collaborated with CMG on this program and has no plans to do so.
This is not the first time CMG's “Active Listening” technology has faced criticism. 404 Media, the first to report on this story, also covered this technology way back in December 2023.
At the time, CMG seemed proud of its new service, even publishing a blog post about the legality of “Active Listening.”
They have since deleted the blog post but it remained accessible within the Wayback Machine.
According to the post, the technology is legal, particularly when hidden in the fine print of user agreements.
CMG's “Active Listening” service isn't inexpensive. Advertisers are reportedly charged $100 per day to target users within a 10-mile radius and $200 per day for a 20-mile radius.
This pricing structure demonstrates how valuable hyperlocal data can be for advertisers seeking to target specific audiences.
These leaked documents have raised public concern about privacy and whether companies are listening in on personal conversations.
While CMG has not officially responded to the recent allegations, the backlash is growing.