Jakarta, IndonesiaSentinel.com — Recent report has confirmed a fear many have long suspected: smartphones are indeed listening to our conversations. This unsettling revelation comes from leaked documents exposing how certain media companies exploit this technology to serve targeted ads.
“Active Listening” Software Caught Eavesdropping on Conversations
According to a report from 404 Media, internal documents from Cox Media Group (CMG) reveal the existence of a software called Active Listening, which allegedly listens to users’ real-time conversations. This data is then used to serve highly targeted ads.
The leaked document explains that advertisers can pair captured voice data with behavioral data to better target consumers with ads based on their current interests.
“Advertisers can match voice data with behavioral data to target consumers in the market,” the document states, as reported by Futurism.
How Is This Data Collected?
The documents don’t detail exactly how CMG collects voice data from users. However, the report suggests that the company can identify individuals who are ready to make purchases, allowing advertisers to direct relevant ads to them at the perfect time.
CMG reportedly works with major tech companies like Facebook, Google, and Amazon, raising concerns about how widely this technology is being used to track and target consumers.
Tech Giants Respond
In response to the report, several big tech companies have distanced themselves from CMG. Google has removed CMG from its list of partners, while Meta, Facebook’s parent company, has stated it is reviewing any potential violations involving the company.
Meanwhile, Amazon has flatly denied any partnership with CMG and assured users that they will not engage in such practices. A spokesperson for Amazon also emphasized that the company is prepared to take action against any marketing partners that breach privacy rules.
Privacy Concerns on the Rise
This revelation intensifies growing concerns about privacy and the ways tech companies may be accessing users’ personal data without consent. While major corporations have denied direct involvement, the report raises serious questions about how voice data is being used and whether consumers are adequately protected from unauthorized surveillance.
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As technology continues to evolve, safeguarding user privacy has become an increasingly urgent challenge. Cases like this underscore the need for greater transparency and stricter regulations to protect consumer rights in the digital age.
(Ray)
