Claims surface of social media apps listening to users for ad targeting

A recent report from 404 Media suggests that social media platforms like Instagram and Google might be listening to users' conversations through their smartphones for advertising purposes.

This information surfaced after promotional materials from Cox Media Group (CMG), a company providing advertising services, were leaked.

The materials revealed that CMG's "Active Listening" service uses AI to monitor sounds near smartphones, allowing partners like Google, Amazon, and Meta to target users with highly relevant ads.

However, Google has since excluded CMG from its advertising partner program, while Amazon denied any collaboration with CMG under this program. Meta clarified that it is listed only as a general marketing partner, not in connection with the "Active Listening" service.