It’s hard to ignore the unsettling feeling that smartphones are picking up more information than we think. Ever had a casual chat about a new gadget, only to see ads for it on Instagram or Facebook shortly after? It feels eerie, as if the phone was listening in.
While stories like this have circulated for years, concrete proof has been elusive. After all, it’s illegal for smartphones to eavesdrop on us without our consent… or so we thought. However, a recent investigation by 404 Media has uncovered some alarming evidence that companies like Amazon and Google may be listening far more than they let on.
The report highlights a practice called “Active Listening,” used by Cox Media Group (CMG), which takes advantage of smartphone microphones to record conversations. These conversations are then analyzed to deliver targeted ads. CMG has previously collaborated with tech giants like Facebook, Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, raising serious concerns about the extent of this practice.
And it’s not just smartphones we need to worry about. The technology extends to other smart devices such as TVs and speakers. With voice recognition always lurking in the background, these devices may be recording conversations without users even realizing it, potentially shaping our consumer habits through tailored ads.
Although companies like Meta and Amazon deny any active use of CMG’s service, the technology exists, and it would be naïve to think that it’s never been used for profit. With first-party data becoming increasingly valuable, the temptation to push ethical boundaries is growing, leaving user privacy hanging in the balance.
Protecting your privacy might mean taking drastic steps. Consider switching off your phone or smart devices when having sensitive conversations, and remember that if your phone is nearby, it might be listening, even when you don’t expect it.
