“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? No, it's not a Black Mirror episode—it's Voice Data, and CMG has the capabilities to use it to your business advantage.”

A marketing team within media giant Cox Media Group (CMG) claims it has the capability to listen to ambient conversations of consumers through embedded microphones in smartphones, smart TVs, and other devices to gather data and use it to target ads, according to a review of CMG marketing materials by 404 Media and details from a pitch given to an outside marketing professional. Called “Active Listening,” CMG claims the capability can identify potential customers “based on casual conversations in real time.”

  • BaldProphet
    3•7 months ago

    Which brands have this technology? I need to know which devices to douse with lighter fluid.

    • LollerCorleoneOP
      2•7 months ago

      That is not clear yet. But wouldn’t be surprised if a large number of them fits the bill.

    • Karlos_Cantana
      2•7 months ago

      It’s in a lot of item’s TOS. I’ve started finding the TOS online before I buy things. I also try not to have any “smart” items, but that’s getting harder to do with IOT.