Summary:

There are concerns that some smartphone apps may be using “active listening” to collect users’ voice data and combine it with other behavioral data to serve targeted ads. A leaked pitch deck from ad tech company CMG Local Solutions detailed this method, but the company claims the product has been discontinued. Major tech companies like Google, Meta, and Amazon have denied involvement with CMG’s active listening program. Experts advise users to regularly review app permissions and disable unnecessary microphone access to avoid unwanted background listening.