FTC Warns App Developers on Use of Silverpush Audio Detection Software Code
The FTC issued warning letters Thursday to 12 app developers whose apps appear to the FTC to include the code for Silverpush software that can detect audio signals via a device's microphone as a way of monitoring consumers' TV use.…
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Silverpush software can monitor TV use by detecting “audio beacons” that TVs emit, the FTC said in a news release. App developers can use Silverpush software to produce a detailed log of TV usage habits as a way of targeting specific ads at a consumer, the FTC said. Silverpush has said its software isn't currently in use in the U.S., but app developers should still notify consumers if their apps contain the software, the FTC said. Apps that include Silverpush typically ask consumers for permission to access their microphone without providing a reason and don't warn consumers that the software can be used to monitor TV use, the FTC said. App developer claiming falsely that their apps don't collect information on TV use via the Silverpush software may be in violation of FTC Act Section 5, the FTC said in a sample version of the letters.