A Marketing Company Claims That Your Phone’s Microphone Is Listening To You

The thought of having our phone’s microphone listening to us is unsettling but many of us have experienced it, leading to suspicions that our devices might be more intrusive than we’d like to think. We’ve all thought about it after seeing an ad that seems oddly aligned with a recent conversation you had with a friend or even with just you blurting out something while you’re all alone.

The growing concerns have sparked debates, with some dismissing the idea, while others believe it’s a possibility. Our suspicions were somewhat confirmed after Cox Media Group (CMG) published its now-deleted blog post claiming that not only is this technology feasible, but it’s also completely legal.

The company says it can provide this “Active Listening” service to advertisers and other companies, allowing them to target potential customers based on conversations picked up by smartphones or other devices through its microphones.

CMG’s bold claims first came to light in December 2023 when 404 Media reported on the company’s so-called Active Listening capabilities. A blog post from CMG, which has since been removed but archived online, unabashedly stated, “Yes, our phones are listening to us.”

The post went on to assert that it’s legal for phones and devices to collect voice data and for third parties to use that data for marketing purposes. It even bragged about being able to identify potential buyers based on casual conversations in real-time.

While CMG’s approach to data collection is alarming, it’s also highly questionable. Companies like Google, Apple, and Amazon have repeatedly stated that their devices only listen for specific “wake words” such as “Hey Google,” “Hey Siri,” or “Alexa.” Outside of these trigger phrases, they claim not to be actively listening. Yet, CMG suggests otherwise, creating confusion about what’s truly happening with our devices.

CMG’s enthusiasm to help businesses “target, retarget, and retain customers” raises serious privacy concerns. Many consumers would likely be outraged if they knew their private conversations were potentially being used for advertising, making CMG’s dismissive attitude towards privacy seem tone-deaf. However, it’s important to note that these are, at the moment, just that—claims.

While CMG does partner with big names like Google, Amazon, and Facebook, none of these tech giants have endorsed or participated in any Active Listening initiative. In fact, both Google and Amazon have reiterated that their devices only engage in listening for wake words, not to spy on users.

With all that said, we don’t know whether to encourage you to optimize your phone’s internal microphone or keep it as is. Nevertheless, it’s essential to remain vigilant and be aware of how our data is being used. As technology continues to evolve, it’s crucial for us to stay informed and question what’s really happening behind the scenes.