Media conglomerate Cox Media Group has recently been promoting a new targeted advertising tool called “Active Listening” to tech companies. This tool utilizes audio recordings obtained from smart home devices, raising privacy concerns among consumers. Additional information about the program has been leaked through a pitch deck obtained by 404 Media, revealing the unsettling details of this advertising strategy.
According to the pitch deck, Cox’s “Active Listening” works by using smart devices to capture real-time intent data by listening to conversations. Advertisers can then combine this voice-data with behavioral data to target potential consumers who are more likely to make a purchase. The pitch deck also mentions the use of artificial intelligence to collect data on consumers’ online behavior, enabling the tool to analyze behavioral and voice data from over 470 sources. However, the legality of this program raises many questions.
Most states have laws regarding wiretapping that prevent the recording of people without their permission. If smart devices are recording our conversations constantly and these recordings are then used for targeted advertising, it may potentially violate laws like California’s two-party consent requirement for recording conversations. The question remains: how is Cox’s “Active Listening” legal?
Furthermore, the pitch deck reveals that Cox currently partners with major tech platforms such as Google, Amazon, and Facebook. However, there is ambiguity surrounding these partnerships and their involvement in this specific advertising tool. When 404 Media approached Google about the pitch deck, the tech giant dropped Cox Media Group from its advertising partners program. Google stated that all advertisers must comply with laws and regulations and that any violation of policies would result in appropriate action. Similarly, Amazon clarified that it has never worked with CMG on this program and has no plans to do so.
When Gizmodo reached out to Meta (formerly Facebook), the company declined to comment on the issue but emphasized that it was listed as a general marketing partner in the pitch deck, not specifically in this program. They provided a link to a blog post on Facebook’s policies regarding the use of microphones for targeted ads. Gizmodo also contacted Cox Media Group and Google for further clarification.
The leaked pitch deck raises significant concerns about privacy and the ethical use of smart home devices. While targeted advertising has become a common practice, the use of real-time audio recordings for ad targeting is not only unnerving but also potentially illegal. It is crucial for companies like Cox Media Group to ensure that they comply with applicable laws and regulations to protect consumers’ privacy rights.
In conclusion, Cox Media Group’s “Active Listening” advertising tool, as revealed in the leaked pitch deck, raises serious privacy concerns. The legality of capturing and utilizing audio recordings obtained from smart home devices for targeted advertising remains questionable. It is essential for companies to prioritize consumer privacy rights and ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations. The involvement of major tech platforms in this program is also under scrutiny, with some companies distancing themselves due to potential legal ramifications. As the discussions and investigations into this advertising tool continue, it is necessary to establish clear guidelines on the limits and ethics of targeted advertising in relation to smart home devices.
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