Source URL: https://gizmodo.com/pitch-dek-gives-new-details-on-companys-plan-to-listen-to-your-devices-for-ad-targeting-2000491095
Source: Hacker News
Title: CMG pitch deck on listening to your conversations to target ads
Feedly Summary: Comments
AI Summary and Description: Yes
Summary: The text discusses Cox Media Group’s controversial advertising tool “Active Listening,” which purportedly uses audio recordings from smart home devices to create targeted advertisements. The legality of this practice raises concerns around privacy laws, particularly regarding consent required for recording conversations, highlighting a potential breach of regulations.
Detailed Description:
The revelation of Cox Media Group’s advertising tool, “Active Listening,” has sparked significant controversy regarding privacy and legality. Key points from the text include:
– **Functionality of Active Listening**:
– The tool utilizes smart devices to collect audio recordings of conversations.
– It captures “real-time intent data” and pairs voice data with behavioral data for targeted advertising.
– Advertisers can analyze data collected from over 470 sources, raising concerns about privacy and consent.
– **Legal Concerns**:
– The article questions the legality of recording conversations without consent, particularly in states such as California that require two-party consent.
– There is apprehension about how the gathered data complies with existing wiretapping laws.
– **Partnership and Compliance Issues**:
– The pitch deck mentions partnerships with major tech companies like Google, Amazon, and Facebook, sparking skepticism about the legitimacy of these claims.
– Google has distanced itself from Cox Media Group, emphasizing the necessity for advertisers to follow applicable laws and policies.
– Amazon asserted that it has never collaborated on this tool, and Meta clarified its partnership does not pertain to the “Active Listening” program.
– **Public and Industry Response**:
– The tone suggests a level of disbelief and outrage regarding the ethical implications of the tool.
– The absence of a clear response from Cox Media Group, and the mixed reactions from the supposed partners, underscore the contentious nature of this initiative.
Overall, this situation is significant for professionals in the fields of privacy, regulation, and compliance. It illustrates the challenges of ensuring that emerging technologies, particularly in data collection and artificial intelligence, adhere to established legal standards and privacy considerations. The unfolding events will require keen attention from security and compliance professionals to navigate potential implications for industry practices and consumer trust.