‘Creepy’ Listening Tool for Targeted Ads Didn’t Actually Work, FTC Says
The FTC has announced that three companies will pay nearly $1 million for falsely claiming their 'Active Listening' technology could collect audio from consumers' devices for targeted advertising. The agency found that the technology was essentially just expensive email lists, not the invasive listening tool advertised. The companies involved have agreed to stop making misleading claims about their marketing services.
- ▪Cox Media Group, MindSift LLC, and 1010 Digital Works will collectively pay nearly $1 million to settle FTC allegations.
- ▪The FTC found that the companies misrepresented their ability to collect audio recordings for targeted ads.
- ▪The companies' claims were based on misleading marketing materials, and they agreed to cease such misrepresentations.
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Maddy VarnerSecurityMay 21, 2026 5:35 PM‘Creepy’ Listening Tool for Targeted Ads Didn’t Actually Work, FTC SaysThree firms will pay nearly $1 million for selling “Active Listening” technology that they claimed tapped people’s phones for advertising. The FTC alleges the “tech” was just pricey email lists.Photo-Illustration: WIRED Staff; Getty ImagesCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyThe Federal Trade Commission announced on Thursday that Cox Media Group and two other marketing companies, MindSift LLC and 1010 Digital Works, have agreed to collectively pay nearly $1 million to settle allegations that they deceived their customers—other businesses—by claiming that they could help target ads based on audio recordings collected from consumers’ smart…
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