Recently, the timing of ads on social media platforms, especially on Facebook and Instagram owned by Meta, has surprised many users. People are shocked when an ad for a product they just discussed appears within seconds. Leaked documents have revealed that Facebook has officially admitted to listening to its users. Here are the details…
Facebook Uses Active Listening Software
The question of whether social media companies are using smartphone microphones to listen to our conversations and then targeting us with ads has resurfaced—and this time, the claims are more serious than ever. Leaked documents obtained by 404 Media have revealed the existence of software known as “Active Listening.”
This software, used by Facebook, employs artificial intelligence to listen to conversations in real-time, utilizing the data to understand user intentions. The documents allege that Cox Media Group (CMG), one of the leading TV and radio giants in the US and a marketing partner of Facebook, has been using this “Active Listening” software.
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According to CMG’s presentation documents, the software captures audio data from users’ phones and matches it with their behavioral data to make targeted advertising more precise. It’s reported that major companies like Amazon, Facebook, and Google are among the clients of this software.
Following the release of 404 Media’s report, Google removed CMG from its Partner Program list. Meta also began reviewing its partnership with CMG to investigate whether it violated service terms.
These leaks and statements have reignited concerns about the impact of social media giants on user privacy. Along with questions of legality, the ethical implications of such practices remain hotly debated. It seems that how these platforms regulate such practices and protect users will continue to be a topic of discussion in the days ahead.
