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Or how did the device of the cute dachshund's owner know that she needs new dog food? And what does marketing have to do with it?
Many users of smartphones and internet-enabled devices wonder about the collection of their personal information. There is a split in opinion: some do not believe in it, while others are convinced of the validity of their fears and diligently protect themselves by using tinfoil hats.
However, data collection does occur, especially by companies that make money from advertising, such as Yandex, Google and Facebook. Recent events only highlight the importance of this topic and spark discussions about the privacy of user information.
No, I don't want a new elephant! We were just discussing it with a friend.
During a pitch to potential clients, it was said that artificial intelligence collects real-time data on user intent by listening to their conversations. This allows advertisers to match voice data with behavioral data to target consumers who are ready to buy.
The main goal of this technology is to increase sales by offering products of interest to users, which brings commissions to CMG partners. The information was published in the publication 404 Media.
Companies mentioned in CMG's presentation in the context of data collection include Google*, Amazon* and Facebook*. After 404 Media reached out to comment on the partnership, Google* removed the media group from its "Partner Program", citing the undesirability of such information. Meta* (Facebook*) denied the allegations, stating that CMG was a general partner, not a partner in the program.
The company stressed that it does not use users' microphones for advertising and promised to reach out to CMG for clarification. But Amazon* said its advertising division has never worked with CMG on the Active Listening program and has no plans to do so.
Previously, only text queries were collected, but now, even despite the security measures, voice data is also collected.
In December 2023, independent news site 404 Media exposed marketing company CMG for using a dubious voice targeting service. This was the third time in a year that the site had reported on CMG. In a podcast, they revealed the existence of the Active Listening feature, claiming that the company had bragged about creepy technology.
Consent to data collection is given tacitly, and only rare cases, like WhatsApp, attract attention. Media group CMG does not disclose how exactly it obtains voice data, saying only that it can identify users “ready to buy” and create targeted ad lists based on their interests. For its targeting services, the group charges $100 per day for 10 miles of coverage and $200 for 20 miles.
Most advertising operators avoid admitting to such crude data collection, but the more data they get, the more money they make.
This issue is especially acute for companies like Google*, whose activities are largely based on advertising and its targeting. And on the one hand, it is targeted advertising that is better than random, but the fact that artificial intelligence is getting its sticky little hands on our personal data and analyzing it is very upsetting.
The smartphone has become a constant companion of man and the most reliable tool for advertisers in collecting information about users.
In today's world, information is becoming increasingly valuable, and tracking users is becoming easier. The main sign that someone is following you online is personalized recommendations.
If you have discussed a product and then received recommendations for it online, this indicates that your data has been used.
Search engines also make it clear how your behavior is being tracked. For example, if you searched for how to assemble a computer, ads for components will start popping up in your field of view.
This demonstrates that your online behavior is being monitored and will continue to be monitored, even though you have installed a security solution.
Many users of smartphones and internet-enabled devices wonder about the collection of their personal information. There is a split in opinion: some do not believe in it, while others are convinced of the validity of their fears and diligently protect themselves by using tinfoil hats.
However, data collection does occur, especially by companies that make money from advertising, such as Yandex, Google and Facebook. Recent events only highlight the importance of this topic and spark discussions about the privacy of user information.
No, I don't want a new elephant! We were just discussing it with a friend.
But why does advertising guess what I need?
The information comes from one of Facebook's partners, which mentions that media company Cox Media Group (CMG) uses "Active Listening" software, which they claim listens to users' smartphone microphones.During a pitch to potential clients, it was said that artificial intelligence collects real-time data on user intent by listening to their conversations. This allows advertisers to match voice data with behavioral data to target consumers who are ready to buy.
The main goal of this technology is to increase sales by offering products of interest to users, which brings commissions to CMG partners. The information was published in the publication 404 Media.
But how is data collected on the network?
Data on the Internet is almost never personal.Companies mentioned in CMG's presentation in the context of data collection include Google*, Amazon* and Facebook*. After 404 Media reached out to comment on the partnership, Google* removed the media group from its "Partner Program", citing the undesirability of such information. Meta* (Facebook*) denied the allegations, stating that CMG was a general partner, not a partner in the program.
The company stressed that it does not use users' microphones for advertising and promised to reach out to CMG for clarification. But Amazon* said its advertising division has never worked with CMG on the Active Listening program and has no plans to do so.
Previously, only text queries were collected, but now, even despite the security measures, voice data is also collected.
In December 2023, independent news site 404 Media exposed marketing company CMG for using a dubious voice targeting service. This was the third time in a year that the site had reported on CMG. In a podcast, they revealed the existence of the Active Listening feature, claiming that the company had bragged about creepy technology.
Should I read the agreement when activating a new phone?
Experts note that when users download apps or make updates, they often agree to multi-page terms of use that they don't read, which may include terms regarding the collection of personal information, such as Active Listening.Consent to data collection is given tacitly, and only rare cases, like WhatsApp, attract attention. Media group CMG does not disclose how exactly it obtains voice data, saying only that it can identify users “ready to buy” and create targeted ad lists based on their interests. For its targeting services, the group charges $100 per day for 10 miles of coverage and $200 for 20 miles.
Are they keeping tabs on us?
A company that once boasted of its eavesdropping services on a website is now having trouble denying that it charges for the services. Surveillance is happening, and while the word has negative connotations, it's hard to replace.Most advertising operators avoid admitting to such crude data collection, but the more data they get, the more money they make.
This issue is especially acute for companies like Google*, whose activities are largely based on advertising and its targeting. And on the one hand, it is targeted advertising that is better than random, but the fact that artificial intelligence is getting its sticky little hands on our personal data and analyzing it is very upsetting.
The smartphone has become a constant companion of man and the most reliable tool for advertisers in collecting information about users.
In today's world, information is becoming increasingly valuable, and tracking users is becoming easier. The main sign that someone is following you online is personalized recommendations.
If you have discussed a product and then received recommendations for it online, this indicates that your data has been used.
Search engines also make it clear how your behavior is being tracked. For example, if you searched for how to assemble a computer, ads for components will start popping up in your field of view.
This demonstrates that your online behavior is being monitored and will continue to be monitored, even though you have installed a security solution.
