Cox Media Group To Listen To Users Devices For Ad Targeting

A leaked pitch deck has revealed the controversial plans of Cox Media Group to listen to users’ devices in order to target them with ads.

Leaked Cox Media Group Pitch Deck Reveals Plans To Listen To Users Devices For Ads

According to reports, Cox Media Group (CMG) has been pitching a lucrative ad targeting strategy that involves monitoring users’ communications.

404 Media has obtained a leaked pitch deck from the company, which outlines CMG’s intention to secretly listen to users through their device microphones for targeted advertising purposes.

In 2023, Cox Media Group faced backlash for promoting its ‘active listening’ capabilities, which it later downplayed. However, it appears that the company has not abandoned its plans to eavesdrop on users via their device microphones.

Gizmodo has revealed that CMG has implemented an ‘active listening’ program to record users’ conversations through their device microphones. This program leverages smart devices to capture real-time data and uses AI to identify potential buyers based on specific keywords relevant to advertisers.

By utilizing this data, CMG can create targeted audience lists within specific geographic areas to display tailored ads to users.

Google, Amazon Confirmed No Links With CMG Over Its ‘Active Listening’

To support its pitch deck, CMG claimed to have longstanding partnerships with tech giants like Google, Amazon, and Meta. However, all three companies have denied any association with CMG.

Google confirmed that it had previously interacted with CMG through its advertising partners program but ended the partnership due to CMG’s policy violations.

All advertisers must comply with all applicable laws and regulations as well as our Google Ads policies, and when we identify ads or advertisers that violate these policies, we will take appropriate action.

In a statement to Gizmodo, Amazon also refuted CMG’s claims, stating that they have never collaborated on such a program.

Amazon Ads has never worked with CMG on this program and has no plans to do so.

Meta did not provide a clear explanation of its involvement with CMG but denied any direct connection to the ad targeting program.

We don’t have any comment. But just to clarify, the pitch deck in the article lists Meta as a general marketing partner, not as a partner ‘in this program.’

CMG has yet to address the controversy surrounding its pitch deck and ‘active listening’ program.

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