Those are the words visitors are greeted with when visiting the website of a marketing company called Cox Media Group (CMG) Local Solutions, which recently ignited concern after alluding to having access to people’s private conversations gleaned from the microphones on their cell phones, smart TVs, and other personal electronics. In a blog post on its “Active Listening” program, CMG wrote, “It may seem like black magic, but it’s not-it’s AI. The growing ability to access microphone data on devices like smartphones and tablets enables our technology partner to aggregate and analyse voice data during pre-purchase conversations.” Following an investigation by MetroUK, the link to the post has since been redirected to the CMG homepage. However, an archived version of the website confirms the admission to listening in on users’ conversations. “We know this sounds like something from the future, but we are there! We can customize your campaign to listen for any keywords/targets relevant to your business,” CMG wrote. The marketing company says that conversations picked up from a device's microphones allow them to “target your advertising” via multiple platforms, including streaming services, display ads, paid social media, YouTube, and Google/Bing searches. “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?” the company asked in the post. Despite privacy concerns, the company says listening in on mics contained in devices is legal because “consumers usually give consent when accepting terms and conditions of software updates or app downloads.” In a statement provided to ARS Technica, CMG said that its advertising tools include "third-party vendor products powered by data sets sourced from users by various social media and other applications then packaged and resold to data servicers." The company also stated it does not "listen to any conversations or have access to anything beyond a third-party aggregated, anonymized and fully encrypted data set that can be used for ad placement" and "regret[s] any confusion." CMG is an Atlanta-based media company that owns 14 market-leading television stations in nine markets, along with 49 top-performing radio stations in 10 markets. “It’s true. Your devices are listening to you.”
