Mobile users have long worried about being overheard, and recent leaks confirm these fears aren’t just paranoia. It turns out, we’re not only being listened to when actively using our phones, but even when they’re sitting idle—like in our pockets or on the table.
A leaked presentation from Facebook’s marketing partner, Cox Media Group (CMG), exposed how the company listens in on users’ conversations to create hyper-targeted ads. Their “Active-Listening” technology uses AI to analyze voice data from phones, laptops, and home assistants in real-time.
This system pairs what you say with your browsing and purchase habits to target you with ads. CMG’s clients include Facebook, Google, and Amazon, raising questions about whether these tech giants are secretly using this service to intercept users’ conversations.
The leak came from a slide deck shared by 404 Media, which ignited a backlash. Google quickly removed CMG from its Partner Program, and Meta (Facebook’s parent company) denied the claims, insisting they don’t use phone microphones for ads. Similarly, Amazon rejected any partnership with CMG for eavesdropping.
The presentation showed how nearly any device with a microphone can be used to collect voice data, but it’s still unclear if the software is always listening or only activates during phone calls. Either way, advertisers use this data to target ads based on recent conversations—like suddenly seeing car ads after discussing a new car with a friend.
Meta and other companies have repeatedly denied monitoring users’ calls, but skepticism remains high. This controversy comes on the heels of other revelations, such as the MindSift podcast incident, where AI marketing reps discussed using smart devices to gather data for ads.
To skirt legal barriers, CMG allegedly includes Active Listening in lengthy user agreements, making it nearly impossible to spot. This tactic helps them operate in regions where recording people without their consent is illegal.
On the bright side, for those seeking more privacy, Swedish company Teuton Systems is stepping in with mobile devices that prioritize security. Their flagship, the “Matrix” smartphone, offers a regular user experience without the prying eyes of unwanted apps. Based on the privacy-focused GrapheneOS, these phones promise a safer, more private alternative for tech-savvy users who want to escape constant surveillance.
Teuton also offers laptops and desktops with Linux, providing a complete privacy-conscious ecosystem for users looking to reclaim control over their data.
