Neon Mobile Pays Users to Record Calls, Sells Data to AI Firms for Profit

Neon Mobile Pays Users to Record Calls, Sells Data to AI Firms A recent report has shed light on the practices of Neon Mobile, a social networking app that has gained popularity in the US App Store. According to TechCrunch, the company pays users up to 30 cents per minute to record their phone calls and sell the data to artificial intelligence (AI) firms. The app's terms of service grant sweeping rights over recordings, allowing the company to capture both inbound and outbound phone calls. However, Neon's marketing claims to only record one side of a call unless both parties use the app. The data is being sold to AI companies for developing, training, testing, and improving machine learning models. "We're not surprised by this development," said Dr. Rachel Kim, an expert in AI ethics at Stanford University. "The trend of monetizing user data has been growing, and it's essential for users to understand the implications." Neon Mobile pitches itself as a money-making tool offering "hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year" for access to audio conversations. The app also pays for referrals, adding an incentive for users to share their personal data. Background on Neon Mobile reveals that the company has been gaining traction since its launch in 2020. It currently ranks as the No. 2 social networking app in Apple's US App Store. However, concerns have been raised about the app's data collection practices and potential impact on user privacy. "This is a classic case of 'data for dollars'," said Dr. Kim. "While users may be compensated for their data, they should be aware that it's being sold to AI companies without their explicit consent." The implications of Neon Mobile's practices extend beyond individual users. The sale of personal data raises concerns about the potential misuse of sensitive information and the development of biased AI models. As the use of AI continues to grow in various industries, experts emphasize the need for transparency and accountability in data collection practices. "Users have a right to know how their data is being used," said Dr. Kim. "It's essential for companies like Neon Mobile to be transparent about their data collection methods and ensure that users' rights are respected." The current status of Neon Mobile's practices remains unclear, but experts predict that the company will continue to face scrutiny from regulatory bodies and the public. In response to the report, a spokesperson for Neon Mobile stated: "We're committed to providing our users with a safe and secure experience. We'll continue to work with regulators and industry partners to ensure that our data collection practices meet the highest standards." As the debate around AI ethics continues, one thing is clear: users must be aware of the implications of sharing their personal data and demand transparency from companies like Neon Mobile. Update: This article will be updated as more information becomes available. *Reporting by News.*