Sen. Marsha Blackburn is investigating whether Meta and Google may be working with a top marketing firm to listen in on Americans’ phone calls and use that information to place targeted ads. In a letter to the CEOs of Meta and Google, as well as the president and CEO of Cox Media Group, Blackburn expressed concerns about the potential invasion of privacy and misuse of consumer data. She demanded a slide deck from Cox Media Group that detailed their “Active Listening” software, which uses AI to capture real-time intent data by monitoring conversations. The slide deck revealed that this software collects and analyzes behavioral and voice data from a variety of sources.
The slideshow also indicated that both Meta and Google are clients of Cox Media Group, raising further questions about the potential collaboration between these companies. While Meta denied using phone microphones for ads, they are seeking clarification from Cox Media Group about the use of their data. Google has removed CMG from its “Partners Program” website and emphasized that advertisers using their platform must adhere to laws and regulations, as well as Google Ads policies. Blackburn highlighted the past privacy violations by both companies, including a $5 billion fine imposed on Facebook by the FTC in 2019.
In her letter to the company CEOs, Blackburn requested answers by October 8 regarding their awareness of the “active listening” software, whether consumers were informed, and how they monitor ad firms using sensitive user data. She emphasized the importance of giving consumers clear options to opt in or out of tracking features and being alerted when such features are deployed. Despite reaching out for comment, representatives for Meta, Google, and Cox Media Group did not immediately respond to Blackburn’s inquiries.
Blackburn and Sen. Richard Blumenthal previously successfully pushed the Senate to pass the Kids Online Safety Act, aimed at protecting minors on social media platforms from harmful content. They are now calling on the House to consider this legislation, which includes safeguards to support safe internet practices for young people. It is evident that Blackburn is actively advocating for consumer privacy rights and transparency in the use of personal data by tech companies and their partners, raising key concerns about potential violations and the need for greater oversight and accountability in the digital space.
