‘Creepy’ Listening Tool for Targeted Ads Didn’t Actually Work, FTC Says

Published:

May 21, 2026

Reading time: Less than 1 min.

Three 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.

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‘Creepy’ Listening Tool for Targeted Ads Didn’t Actually Work, FTC Says

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