Smartphones’ Listening Devices Spy for Targeted Ads, Report Claims 

Some companies might be using listening devices for targeted ads, by capturing conversations near phones and other devices, a report claims.  

The allegations come from a Cox Media Group (CMG) presentation, describing a tool called “Active Listening Technology” that can detect and monitor users’ conversations around their devices. The data is then purportedly used to tailor and deliver targeted ads based on the captured information. 

The report, published by 404 Media, also discusses how CMG mentioned major tech companies such as Facebook, Google, and Amazon as “partners,” but stops short of confirming whether these companies are actively using similar listening technologies for targeted advertising. 

This claim reignites the long-standing debate over whether smartphones and smart devices are eavesdropping on conversations, a concern many users have had for years. 

The report also revived the debate related to smartphone surveillance and whether phones or other smart devices can really listen to conversations.  

Is my phone listening to me and targeting ads? 

Such announcement has raised again a popular unanswered question from the public: Is my phone listening to me and targeting ads? Although there is a lot of speculation around this topic, there is still no clear evidence that big tech companies have access to such devices listening for phone eavesdropping purposes. 

There are two main reasons why people strongly believe their phones are monitored. One, because sometimes ads that appear to them on social media platforms seem very relevant to their thoughts or their conversations. 

Two, most of the smartphone devices used are manufactured by companies known for collecting data related to users’ behavior since they serve for targeted ads. 

More Advanced Tracking Tactics 

The above-mentioned reasons are not enough to ensure phone eavesdropping is occurring, since there are further explanations about the ads. It is worth noting that nowadays tracking methods are very advanced and some of them do not require listening devices. For example, some advertising companies use user demographics and online behavior to detect their preferences.  

Additionally, there is the idea of “frequency illusion”, also known as Baader-Meinhof phenomenon, where people become more of noticing something they’ve recently discussed. 

iPhone, Android on the Safe Side 

In a bid to reduce such incidents, both iPhone and Android have built-in indicators that require users’ permission to access listening devices, to prevent phone eavesdropping without prior consent. 

In contrast, these features are less available in other smartphones, such as those of Google and Amazon. 

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