FTC to Require Cox Media Group, Two Other Firms to Pay Nearly $1 Million to Settle Charges They Deceived Customers About 'Active Listening' AI-Powered Marketing Service

The FTC announced a $930,000 settlement with Cox Media Group and two partner firms over false claims that their 'Active Listening' AI service captured consumer conversations from smart devices for ad targeting. The agency found the service did not listen to voice data and that accepting standard app terms did not constitute valid consent.