CMG reports have been leaked! It has been revealed that phones are being tapped!

Reports have emerged claiming that Cox Media Group (CMG), the digital marketing giant that has partnered with companies such as Google, Facebook, Microsoft, and Amazon, has been involved in listening to users' phones.

Reports from CMG confirm suspicions that users' phones are being listened to. It is alleged that the digital marketing giant has developed advertising targeting using listening technology on smart devices. Following 404 Media's claim that CMG has partnered with companies like Google, Facebook, Microsoft, and Amazon, it has been reported that Google has severed ties with CMG.

REAL-TIME "INTENT DATA" UNDER INVESTIGATION

Cox, a marketing company that includes Facebook and Google, has admitted to listening to users' smartphone microphones and placing ads based on the information obtained.

According to the report, Cox Media Group, a television and radio news holding company, admitted in a presentation to investors that its "Active Listening" software uses artificial intelligence to capture real-time intent data by listening to our conversations.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE-POWERED SOFTWARE USED

In the company's promotional text, it stated that advertisers can target consumers in the market by combining this audio data with behavioral data. It was reported that a media holding company uses artificial intelligence-powered software to listen to smartphone microphones in order to place targeted ads.

CMG stated that it leaves a data trace based on consumers' conversations and online behavior and that the AI-powered software collects and analyzes these behavioral and audio data from over 470 sources. The slide includes allegations that Facebook, Google, and Amazon are CMG's clients.

INVESTIGATION LAUNCHED TO DETERMINE IF THERE WAS A VIOLATION

According to 404 Media, Google severed ties with CMG shortly after this report was published.

In an article by the New York Post, a Google spokesperson stated, "All advertisers must comply with all applicable laws and regulations and our Google Ads policies. When we identify ads or advertisers that violate these policies, we will take appropriate action." Facebook and Instagram's parent company admitted to launching an investigation to determine if CMG violated its terms of service and stated, "We do not use your phone's microphone for Meta ads, and we have been sharing this with the public for years."

REPORT INCLUDES ACTIVE LISTENING FEATURE

An Amazon spokesperson stated that the company's advertising arm has never worked with CMG in this program and that there is no such plan. The company announced that action will be taken against any partner that violates its rules. The report reveals the existence of CMG's "Active Listening" feature.

In a deleted Cox blog post from November 2023, the company wrote, "We know what you're thinking. Is this legal?"

"IT IS LEGAL FOR PHONES AND DEVICES TO LISTEN TO YOU"

The response came as follows: "It is legal for phones and devices to listen to you. When you download or update a new app, it often includes Active Listening in a multi-page terms of service agreement with small print sent to consumers."

The Post Gazette is awaiting a statement from Amazon and Cox.