Yep, a company is probably listening to your conversations to serve ads

Yep, a company is probably listening to your conversations to serve ads،

A company can apparently turn your worst nightmare into reality: using the microphone on your smartphone, smart TV or other devices to listen in on your everyday conversations.

404 Media reports that Cox Media Group (CMG) has a product called Active listening to customers who can serve ads based on the conversations people have within their four walls, like “A minivan would be perfect for us,” Or “Do I see mold on the ceiling?

Apparently, CMG can listen to conversations through smart device microphones and use them to identify potential customers for various products and services.

It's unclear whether CMG is already using technology to spy on us, but most people would be inclined to believe it, given how many times an ad for a product or service we're talking about appears on the Internet.

Ethical considerations aside, such a product would help companies identify the exact people who might be interested in their products and eliminate the guesswork associated with traditional market segmentation methods.

It is unclear whether CMG's technology actually works and whether it is already in use. The company is reportedly already seeking customers on LinkedIn and says the return on investment is impressive, meaning businesses are already using the technology.

Active Listening users can select a territory in which they want to use the service, with coverage up to 10 or 20 miles. The service uses AI to detect interesting conversations via smartphones, smart TVs and other smart devices.

What would it mean for your business if you could target potential customers who actively discuss their need for your services in their daily conversations? No, this isn't an episode of Black Mirror: it's Voice Data, and CMG has the capabilities to use it to your advantage.” – CMG

CGM also installs a tracking pixel on clients’ websites to track return on investment (ROI). Ads will be served via display ads, Google and Bing searches, YouTube and streaming services.

The goal is to reach exactly those customers who want a particular product and deliver personalized ads that make them view the product provider as a mind reader…

CMG's website even states that it is legal for a company to listen in on people's conversations.

Is this legal? YES, it is completely legal for phones and devices to listen to you. This is because consumers typically provide consent when they agree to the terms and conditions of software updates or app downloads. -CGM

iPhone users can rest assured that CGM does not have access to their conversations because every time the microphone is used, an orange light turns on.