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by jamesdwilson 866 days ago
> Cox Media Group recently gave advertisers an overview of a new technology it calls Active Listening. CMG claimed that its technology can use microphone data from devices like smartphones and tablets, specifically analyzing "pre-purchase conversations." The since-deleted blog post also mentions using AI to determine when the phrases heard from smart devices could be "relevant" to advertisers.

https://www.businessinsider.com/cox-active-listening-claims-...
1 comments
dangus 866 days ago
From the archived page:

> We know what you're thinking. Is this even legal? The short answer is: yes. It is legal for phones and devices to listen to you. When a new app download or update prompts consumers with a multi-page terms of use agreement somewhere in the fine print, Active Listening is often included.

This means you have to give permissions and ignore the orange dot on your screen for this technology to work.

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jamesdwilson 866 days ago
Don't most people just hit Accept blindly?
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dangus 865 days ago
Probably, but that’s why new versions of iOS have a recording indicator anytime the microphone or camera is active.

And, you know, at some point consent is consent. It’s a giant dialog box that explains everything. Some people might even want an app that records their activity and gives them compensation for doing so (e.g., Microsoft/Bing Rewards). Who am I to tell that person they don’t want that?

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