Have you ever felt like your phone was listening to you? It turns out, that might not be paranoia. A recent report by 404 Media has revealed that several tech giants, including Facebook, Google, and Amazon, may be using a technology called “Active Listening” to eavesdrop on conversations and target ads accordingly.
Active Listening Exposed:
According to leaked documents, “Active Listening” is a software that uses artificial intelligence to capture real-time intent data by listening to conversations. This information is then combined with behavioral data to create highly targeted advertisements. A pitch deck from Cox Media Group (CMG), a major TV and radio company, detailed how advertisers could use this technology to reach consumers who are “in-market” for specific products or services.
Tech Giants Deny Involvement:
When confronted with these allegations, Meta (Facebook’s parent company), Google, and Amazon all denied using Active Listening technology. Meta stated that CMG was a general partner, not a partner in the specific program advertised in the deck, and emphasized that they do not use phone microphones for ads. Amazon also claimed to have never worked with CMG for ads.
While the tech giants deny using Active Listening, the practice raises significant legal and ethical concerns. Many people are uncomfortable with the idea of their conversations being monitored for advertising purposes. The legality of such practices varies by jurisdiction, but the issue is likely to spark ongoing debate and scrutiny.
The revelation of Active Listening technology underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in the digital age. As consumers become increasingly aware of the ways their data is collected and used, it is essential for tech companies to be upfront about their practices and prioritize user privacy.
