CMG pitch deck on listening to your conversations to target ads

Cox Media Group is reportedly developing a targeted advertising tool called "Active Listening," which utilizes audio recordings from smart home devices to gather real-time intent data from consumers. A leaked pitch deck reveals that this tool aims to combine voice data with behavioral data to enhance ad targeting. The deck suggests that the technology employs artificial intelligence to analyze data from over 470 sources, raising significant privacy concerns. Critics question the legality of such practices, particularly in states with strict wiretapping laws that require consent for recording conversations. Major tech companies like Google and Amazon have distanced themselves from the program, with Google stating it has removed Cox from its advertising partners program due to compliance issues. Amazon clarified that it has never collaborated with Cox on this initiative. Meta, while listed as a marketing partner, also emphasized that it is not involved in this specific program. The situation highlights ongoing debates about privacy, consent, and the ethical implications of using personal data for advertising purposes.

- Cox Media Group is developing a targeted ad tool called "Active Listening" that uses audio from smart devices.

- The tool combines voice data with behavioral data for enhanced ad targeting, raising privacy concerns.

- Legal questions arise regarding the compliance of such practices with wiretapping laws.

- Major tech companies have distanced themselves from the program, citing compliance issues.

- The situation underscores ongoing debates about privacy and the ethics of data usage in advertising.