Cox Media Group (CMG), a leading U.S. marketing company, has reportedly admitted to listening in on conversations to deliver targeted ads.
In working with major brands like CBS, ESPN, Fox News, this marketing firm has supposedly been promoting the ability to eavesdrop on customers through microphones present in smart speakers, TVs, and smartphones.
This capability is what the firm calls “Active Listening” and has been pitching this service to advertisers by showcasing the feature on its website, according to 404.
Amid the global push for data privacy, including the phasing out of third-party cookies, these statements have caught the pay-per-click (PPC) community off guard. There are many who speculate now about the repercussions, which signals a warning to the broader industry.
CMG is claiming its Active Listening tech is capable of spotting potential customers in real-time through their everyday chat. It is uncertain which specific devices this feature is on, but CMG promotes it as a futuristic marketing tool that works today.
A rep from CMG was found promoting the service on LinkedIn, encouraging interested parties to contact them to get more info on prices.
One of the seemingly removed promotional posts on the company site read: “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?”
Another reads: “No, it’s not a Black Mirror episode—it’s Voice Data, and CMG has the capabilities to use it to your business advantage.”