Privacy News Marketing company claims that it actually is listening to Your Phone and Smart Speakers to Target Ads

[vtqhtr413]

Content source

https://www.404media.co/cmg-cox-media-actually-listening-to-phones-smartspeakers-for-ads-marketing/?action=subscribe&success=true

A marketing team within media giant Cox Media Group (CMG) claims it has the capability to listen to ambient conversations of consumers through embedded microphones in smartphones, smart TVs, and other devices to gather data and use it to target ads, according to a review of CMG marketing materials by 404 Media and details from a pitch given to an outside marketing professional. Called “Active Listening,” CMG claims the capability can identify potential customers “based on casual conversations in real time.”

The news signals that what a huge swath of the public has believed for years—that smartphones are listening to people in order to deliver ads—may finally be a reality in certain situations. Until now, there was no evidence that such a capability actually existed, but its myth permeated due to how sophisticated other ad tracking methods have become.

It is not immediately clear if the capability CMG is advertising and claims works is being used on devices in the market today, but the company notes it is “a marketing technique fit for the future. Available today.” 404 Media also found a representative of the company on LinkedIn explicitly asking interested parties to contact them about the product. One marketing professional pitched by CMG on the tech said a CMG representative explained the prices of the service to them.

Marketing Company Claims That It Actually Is Listening to Your Phone and Smart Speakers to Target Ads

“What would it mean for your business if you could target potential clients who are actively discussing their need for your services in their day-to-day conversations? No, it's not a Black Mirror episode—it's Voice Data, and CMG has the capabilities to use it to your business advantage.”

www.404media.co

 

[I Walk MY Way]

It's good to know that the marketing companies are always there for us. helping us out with the things that we need. And that for once, the tin foil hat wearing brigade correct.

 

[Digmor Crusher]

Lock em up.

 

[I Walk MY Way]

Unfortunately, there's no room In the prison's Maybe they could be deported somewhere, Nice. like perhaps North Korea

 

[Digmor Crusher]

Unfortunately, there's no room In the prison's Maybe they could be deported somewhere, Nice. like perhaps North Korea

Excellent idea.

 

[Freki123]

And that for once, the tin foil hat wearing brigade correct.

Never underestimate the will to abuse any data that can be gathered from any cooperation or authority. If it's possible it will happen. The only question is how long it will take till somebody discovers it.
E.g They collected covidcontact data for the health departments in my country (for no other use ). Police used it to investigate a theft or to find witnesses. That use of the data was forbidden.

 

[vtqhtr413]

A minor update.

Marketer sparks panic with claims it uses smart devices to eavesdrop on people

"Real-time" listening claims were exaggerated, but the creepy factor remains.

arstechnica.com

 

[vtqhtr413]

Last week a 404 Media piece went viral, thanks to an alarming series of allegations about the apparent ability of smart devices to listen in on our conversations. Shocking, right? On the surface, this is a story about online privacy and the surveillance state. But I wasted the better part of two days following this story down various rabbit holes, and I can confirm that the underlying facts simply don't add up. After reading this sensational story, I have some questions: Did they really say that? Did they really do that? Is this kind of spying even possible? If this kind of spying is possible, why isn't everyone doing this? Let's take it from the top.

New report claims your phone, TV, and smart speaker are spying on you. But is it real?

A sensational story ricocheted around the web last week, alleging that online advertisers are capable of listening in on your casual conversations as you talk within earshot of smart devices. Could it possibly be true?

www.zdnet.com