Marketer claimed it could tap devices for ad targeting will pay $880K settlement
Cox Media Group Local Solutions has agreed to pay $880,000 to settle allegations from the Federal Trade Commission regarding false claims about its Active Listening service. The service was marketed as using voice data from smart devices to target ads, but the FTC found that it did not actually listen to conversations or use voice data. Two other marketing firms will also pay $25,000 each as part of the settlement for their involvement in misleading advertising practices.
- ▪Cox Media Group Local Solutions will pay $880,000 to settle FTC allegations.
- ▪The Active Listening service falsely claimed to use voice data for ad targeting.
- ▪Two additional marketing firms will pay $25,000 each as part of the settlement.
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Active Listening deactivated Marketer that claimed it could tap devices for ad targeting will pay $880K settlement Two additional marketing companies will also pay $25,000 each. Scharon Harding – May 22, 2026 1:48 pm | 6 Speaker or spy? (The answer is, most likely, speaker.) Credit: Getty Speaker or spy? (The answer is, most likely, speaker.) Credit: Getty Text settings Story text Size Small Standard Large Width * Standard Wide Links Standard Orange * Subscribers only Learn more Minimize to nav In November 2023, we reported on dubious claims made by marketing firm Cox Media Group (CMG) Local Solutions. The company advertised a service called Active Listening on a website that said, “It’s true.
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